Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Orlando

    ORLANDO, FL, May 22, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Driving takes concentration, coordination and skill. It is a privilege, not a right, which not enough people take as seriously as they should.

Driver Distractions

A majority of motor vehicle accidents are caused by irresponsible driving behavior.

Statistics also show that 98 percent of automobile accidents involve a single distracted driver.

Common driver distractions include:

- Rubbernecking: when drivers slow down to watch what is going on
- Cell phones: talking, placing calls, checking messages and texting while driving
- Passenger distractions: such as unruly children, pets, excited friends, etc.
- Looking at scenery
- Adjusting the radio, CD player, DVD player or GPS unit
- Reading maps, directions, books, newspapers, etc.

Speeding

While speeding alone can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, it also reduces the time you are able to react in order to avoid an accident. The faster your car is traveling upon impact, the more severe injuries will result. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that when your speed increases from 40 mph to 60 mph, the energy released in a crash more than doubles. By slowing down and obeying speed limit signs, you can make the roadways safer for yourself and the vehicles around you.

Driver Fatigue

Drowsy drivers account for about 100,000 accidents in the United States each year, especially between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. If you experience heavy eyelids, vehicle drifting or objects that seem to "jump out" into the road, you should pull over and rest. If you are taking a long trip, be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before, and share driving duties whenever possible. Also refrain from taking any medication that may affect your driving before you get on the road.

Driver fatigue is especially common among truck drivers who are under pressure to meet delivery deadlines.

Inclement Weather

Heavy rain, blizzards, freezing ice, fog and extreme winds can make driving extremely challenging. If you must drive in these conditions, be sure to drive slowly and cautiously. Driving too fast or feeling pressured by a tailgater to drive faster can lead to an accident. Make sure to leave sufficient room in front of you, in case your vehicle skids when trying to slow down or stop. When necessary, pull over until the weather conditions improve.

Drunk Driving

Alcohol-related auto accidents are to blame for tens of thousands of deaths each year in America. The only way to prevent these accidents is to refrain from drinking and driving. Either designate a driver to remain sober, take a cab or use public transportation.

Aggressive Driving

An aggressive driver is someone who acts without regard for the rights or safety of other users on the road. This behavior includes:

- Aggressive or rude gestures
- Changing lanes unsafely
- Verbal abuse and physical assaults
- Deliberately preventing another driver from moving their vehicle
- Disregard for traffic signals
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Flashing lights at other drivers due to irritation

If you are in the presence of an aggressive driver, keep your distance and do not pass that driver unless absolutely necessary. If the aggressive driver is behind you, stay calm and maintain the appropriate speed. If the situation is serious, you can call 911 to report the aggressive driver.

Automobile accidents can be traumatic ordeals. If you or a family member has been involved in a motor vehicle accident and you live in central Florida or the surrounding area, please visit the Web site for Orlando personal injury attorney Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. at www.themdjd.com to learn about your legal options.

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