According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 42,795 people died in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. in 2022. Consider the fact that those accidents only account for the number of crashes that resulted in death. It does not account for the actual staggering number of crashes per year in the U.S., which is estimated to be over 6 million.
Have you ever wondered why car and truck crashes are so common? They can be caused by several factors. However, we found what we believe to be the top six reasons.
Fatigue
One of the most common reasons for motor vehicle accidents is fatigue. Often, drivers will overestimate their own ability to drive through the night, or even just make it another 50 miles. Without proper rest, reflex times and the ability to focus are greatly reduced. Not to mention the fact that a driver can simply fall asleep at the wheel.
Fatigued driving is a major cause of trucking accidents. This is why truck drivers are required to log a certain amount of rest time per hours driven in an effort to decrease the number of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a huge problem on roadways. So many things can take our attention off the road, though one seems to be far more prevalent than others. Numerous accidents have been caused by texting and driving, many of them involving teenagers or young drivers, and often with tragic outcomes.
Major marketing campaigns spearheaded by law enforcement have been launched across the country to bring awareness of the dangers of texting and driving. Georgia has made texting and driving illegal.
Besides texting, other distractions include eating while driving, tending to children while the vehicle is moving, or allowing pets to move freely around the car.
Poor Road and Weather Conditions
Poor road and weather conditions contribute to accidents. Whether heavy rain, ice on the roadway, flooding, or snow, drivers should do all they can to stay off the roads during significant weather events. If you must travel, slow down and allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
Inexperienced Drivers
Newly licensed drivers can sometimes find themselves in a road situation where they are unsure what to do and they panic. A wrong decision can cost lives. Alternatively, they may also believe they know exactly what they are doing and place others in danger by sheer recklessness and negligence. Regardless of the situation, watch out for inexperienced drivers.
Speeding
Speeding is a major contributing factor to the number of car and truck accidents across the U.S. Whether it’s a racing enthusiast with a need for speed, a new driver who doesn’t realize how fast they are going, or simply an employee trying to make it to work on time, speeding can result in a loss of vehicle control in a split second. Speed limits are posted for good reason.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and/or drug impairment is documented to be the number one leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. Impaired driving has unnecessarily cost thousands of lives and affects many families every day.
Call Our Experienced Legal Team
Any single one, or multiple, of these reasons could contribute to a crash. Being a responsible driver requires knowledge, care, and respect for other drivers on the road. If you or someone you know has been affected by the negligence or recklessness of another driver, our experienced auto accident lawyers are here to help you.
Our team at Calvin Smith Law has recovered over a billion dollars on behalf of clients. We will fight to help you win the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today for a free case review!
