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Why Do Car Accidents Happen?
Car crashes can occur in many different ways. In some cases, a car accident can be out of a driver’s control, but in others, simple measures can be taken to avoid a devastating accident. While it’s impossible to prevent an accident entirely, some types of accidents would never happen if drivers take certain precautions and refrain from the following driving behaviors. Read on to learn more about the types of car crashes that are avoidable.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Driving while intoxicated is one of the riskiest and most selfish driving behaviors. Drunk driving can also be avoided straightforwardly — don’t drink and drive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 28 people die in drunk driving accidents every day. To put it in better perspective, one person dies every 52 minutes in a drunk driving crash. Here are some concerning statistics about drunk driving accidents:
- Every year, roughly one-third of all traffic crashes fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers.
- 10,142 lives were lost in 2019 due to a drunk driver.
- Between 2010 and 2019, over 10,0000 people died every year in drunk driving accidents.
Even though driving while intoxicated is against the law in every state, it’s still far too common on U.S. Roads.
Distracted Driving Accidents
The NHTSA reports that in 2019, 3,142 people lost their lives in distracted driving accidents. Most people associate distracted driving accidents with cell phone calls and texting. However, there are many other ways drivers become distracted, including:
- Eating while driving
- Using navigation devices
- Adjusting music or playing with vehicle controls
- Grooming (combing hair, applying makeup)
- Talking to other passengers
- Tending to children in the backseat
- Looking at attractions on the side of the road (rubbernecking)
Distracted driving can be avoided by keeping cell phones out of reach and staying conscientious of your driving behaviors. Planning before getting behind the wheel can prevent a crash. For example, keep children well-entertained by packing up books, travel crafts, or toys to take along your trip to reduce your distraction. Ensure you have enough time for eating breakfast and grooming in the morning before going to work.
Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drowsy driving accidents can be prevented if drivers get proper amounts of sleep the night before. According to the NHTSA, 697 deaths occurred in 2019 due to drowsy driving accidents. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also warns that driving while drowsy is similar to driving while intoxicated and has the same effects on drivers. These include slow reaction time, less attention to driving, and reduced ability to make decisions. To avoid drowsy driving, the CDC recommends the following:
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night (adults 18 and over).
- Develop good sleeping habits.
- Get checked for sleep disorders if you ever experience symptoms such as snoring and feeling sleepy during the day.
- Avoid driving after taking medications that make you drowsy.
When it comes to driving safely, remember to practice defensive driving and remain alert. When feeling sleepy, pull over to the side of the road to rest or call someone to pick you up if you are nodding off.
Injured in a Car Crash? Meyerkord & Kurth Can Help.
The consequences of a car accident can be devastating. From sustaining catastrophic injuries to incurring medical costs and treatments, it can be challenging to endure physically, mentally, and financially.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys are on your side to fight the insurance companies that often try to give less than fair compensation. Let us be your advocates and protect your rights.
Contact Meyerkord & Kurth today at (800) 391-4318 to learn more about recovering compensation for your injuries.
Sources:
NHTSA: Drunk Driving
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
NHTSA: Distracted Driving
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
NHTSA: Drowsy Driving
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving
CDC: Drowsy Driving
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/drowsy_driving.html