Common Causes of Auto Accidents

    ORLANDO, FL, February 05, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Each year, more than 40,000 people are killed in auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that a car accident occurs every 10 seconds, and every 12 minutes, someone in the United States will die in a car crash.

The personal injuries and property damage caused by these accidents is staggering as well. In 2005, there were 6.5 million auto accidents in the United States accounting for over 3 million injuries and over $230 billion in property damage.

In light of the serious nature of these accidents, it is very important to understand the causes of auto accidents so that we can more easily prevent them in the future.

Distracted Drivers

Distracted drivers are the leading cause of auto accidents in the United States. Rubbernecking, a phenomenon where drivers slow down to stare at another accident, accounts for 16% of driver distraction-related accidents. It is the most common cause of driver distractions in the country.

Other reasons for driver distractions include:

• Driver fatigue
• Staring at scenery
• Passenger distractions
• Adjusting the stereo or an MP3 player
• Cell phones

Talking on cell phones can increase your risk of an accident drastically. You are four times more likely to be involved in a crash when you are on your cell phone. As a result, many states have outlawed the use of cell phones while driving unless a hands-free device is employed.

Driver fatigue causes approximately 100,000 accidents a year. Drivers who are fatigued have slower reaction time when faced with adverse conditions. They also have a tendency to exhibit erratic driving behavior, such as veering out of lane, failing to observe traffic signs, and unexpectedly changing speed.

Other Causes

There are several other factors that contribute to auto accidents. Some of the most common include:

• Drunk Driving - Someone dies in an alcohol-related accident every half hour.
• Speeding - Speeding magnifies other risk factors. It gives you less time to react to unexpected conditions in order to avoid an accident. It also increases your likelihood of being involved in a crash and makes the damage from your crash much more severe.
• Aggressive Driving - This occurs in any situation where a driver acts in a belligerent or forceful manner without regard for the safety of others on the road. Some examples of aggressive driving include tailgating, disregarding traffic signals, frequent or unsafe lane changes, and cutting off other drivers.
• Bad Weather - Rain, snow, fog, high winds, and ice storms make driving conditions more hazardous and increase the likelihood of an accident. It is important to reduce your speed and leave extra distance between cars when driving in bad weather.
• Defective Vehicles - Vehicles that fail to function properly can cause you to lose control while driving and severely increase your risk of an accident. Brakes and tires are the two most common auto parts to malfunction.

You should consult an experienced auto accident attorney if you have been seriously injured in a car crash. If the accident was someone else's fault, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries and property damage.

If you have been involved in an auto accident in the Orlando, Florida area, please contact the law offices of Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter today to schedule an initial consultation.

Source: Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter
Website: http://www.thefloridafirm.com

# # #