Common Causes of Car Accidents in Anne Arundel County
Today’s cars are safer than ever, thanks to advanced safety technologies like air bags, antilock brakes, accident avoidance technology, and tire pressure monitors. Yet millions of car accidents continue to occur on roads and highways across the country, and that number will likely increase as the population grows. Causes of car accidents include a wide range of factors, including driver error, weather, mechanical malfunction, and poor road conditions, to name a few. Many of these wrecks can be avoided if drivers have a better understanding of some of the most common causes of traffic accidents.
The factors that contribute to car accidents can be separated into two categories, including driver error and other causes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver error is responsible for the vast majority of car accidents. In fact, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported that cell phone use alone – including talking or texting – is responsible for at least one quarter of all car accidents.
The following examples of driver error are some of the most common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted driving: This is the number one cause of car accidents in the United States today. When a driver is distracted, either because they are using their smart phone to talk or text, are eating, or checking their GPS, they are much more likely to be involved in a crash.
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Studies show that drunk drivers are 900% more likely to cause a wreck than those who are sober. Moreover, certain prescription medications can cause drowsiness, affecting a driver’s ability to react quickly to avoid a potential crash.
- Drowsy driving: Driver fatigue can cause tragic accidents, especially if the driver falls asleep at the wheel. Drivers who are having a hard time staying awake should pull over and take a quick nap, or get some fresh air and a cup of coffee.
- Road rage: Aggressive driving behavior, including tailgating, cutting another driver off, making angry hand gestures, or speeding past another driver can cause unnecessary car accidents.
- Speeding and reckless driving: When drivers fail to follow the speed limit, they are at greater risk of crashing. The faster the vehicle is traveling, the more severe the injuries are likely to be.
The following are other examples of issues that also often result in a crash.
- Construction Zones: If a construction work zone is not properly marked, there is an increased risk of car accidents. This also endangers the construction crew if an accident occurs too close to where the crew is working.
- Defective automobile parts: Auto defects, including faulty brakes, tires, seat belts, and airbags can cause severe injuries in the event of a car accident. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are particularly prone to rollovers, which can cause major damage to the vehicle, as well as serious injuries.
- Inclement Weather: Slippery roads caused by rain, snow, ice, or other hazardous weather conditions can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, especially if the weather changes abruptly. Rain causes slick and dangerous surfaces, making it difficult for vehicles to stop without skidding. Heavy snow can cause dangerous road conditions, as well as reduced visibility. Ice, particularly the notorious black ice, is very hazardous and can cause a car to spin out of control. High winds can also make it more difficult for drivers to maintain control of their car.
- Potholes: Drivers can lose control of their car if they have a tire blowout. Sometimes, a driver does not see a pothole until it is too late. Swerving to avoid a pothole can also cause accidents.
Anne Arundel County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims Injured in All Types of Car Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, whether it was due to driver negligence or other circumstances, the Anne Arundel County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton can help. We have a proven track record of securing sizable settlements for our clients and will work tirelessly to obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, which includes the towns of Annapolis Neck, Arden on the Severn, Arnold, Brooklyn Park, Cape Saint Claire, Crofton, Crownsville, Deale, Edgewater, Ferndale, Fort Meade, Friendship, Galesville, Gambrills, Glen Burnie, Herald Harbor, Jessup, Lake Shore, Linthicum, Maryland City, Mayo, Naval Academy, Odenton, Parole, Pasadena, Pumphrey, Riva, Riviera Beach, Severn, Severna Park and Shady Side.