Guide to Preventing Car Accidents
October 6, 2017No one gets into their car with the intention of getting into a car accident. Yet, they are an unfortunate reality that can have a wide range of consequences, ranging from traffic citations and minor injuries to massive property damage and multiple fatalities. Even the most responsible driver can be involved in a car accident if another motorist is distracted, drowsy, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is driving recklessly. Whether you are a newly licensed teen driver or a seasoned driver with decades of experience, the following list serves to educate all drivers about the most common causes of car wrecks.
Top Causes of Car Accidents
- Distracted Driving: This is currently the number one cause of car accidents in the United States. Examples include talking or texting while driving, as well as eating, reaching for something in the back seat, or putting on makeup.
- Speeding: It is very common for drivers to exceed the speed limit. Speeding can make accident outcomes even more severe than they would be if the driver had been obeying the speed limit.
- Reckless Driving: Driving with no regard for the safety of other motorists can create extremely dangerous situations on the road. Reckless driving includes behaviors like running red lights or stop signs, making unsafe lane changes or turns, tailgating, or excessive speeding.
- Drunk Driving or Drugged Driving: Anytime you drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are putting yourself and others at risk of being injured or killed in a car accident. Your ability to focus and react quickly is diminished, and you are more likely to engage in other dangerous behavior like texting or talking on the phone.
- Drowsy Driving: If you have had too little sleep and proceed to get behind the wheel, you run the risk of getting into a wreck because your ability to react and make quick decisions is affected when you are exhausted. Falling asleep at the wheel can be deadly.
- Inclement Weather: Always check the weather if you are going to be driving long distances. Snow, ice, rain, and fog can affect visibility and can cause dangerous road conditions.
- Design Defects: Design or manufacturing defects, including those that affect tires, brakes, and transmission, can cause serious accidents and injuries.
- Road Rage: Drivers who show extreme aggression towards other drivers can cause needless accidents, often ending in serious injuries and even fatalities.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes and other road conditions can cause drivers to swerve to avoid hitting them. They can also cause dangerous tire blowouts.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for All Car Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of another’s negligence, contact our Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. To schedule a free consultation, call 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, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.