Why Vehicle Collisions Occur

Being in a car wreck is not only stressful, but painful, and can result in significant financial and property loss. In the aftermath of a car accident, the victim’s stress can be compounded by having to deal with insurance companies, medical treatment, missing out on work, and other ways their life has been impacted. Some accidents are avoidable, and at least one reckless driver is usually at-fault. Here are some of the most common reasons why vehicle collisions occur:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. If a driver does not have their full attention on the road, it may be because of a phone they are using, a meal in their lap, or a passenger who is talking to them. People often forget that their only job when behind the wheel is to focus on where they are going. Experienced drivers may think they can multitask, but it’s best to avoid this mindset no matter how many years you have been driving.

Drunk Driving

Those who drink and get into the driver’s seat of a vehicle are a risk to themselves and other people. When someone has alcohol in their system, their cognitive functions and senses become dulled, reaction times are slower, and decision making abilities get compromised. Drunk driving is against the law, and the repercussions of being arrested for it are steep. Find a sober person to take you home, or a safer way to get where you need to be if you choose to have a drink. 

Speeding

There are speed limits for a reason, and those who drive at excessive speed are seriously putting the lives of others in danger. Speeding makes it more difficult to slow down or stop when needed, and if a crash does occur, it’s likely to cause more damage if speeding was a factor. As a car accident attorney victims trust from Glotzer & Leib, LLP can attest, the faster someone drives, the less opportunity they have to suddenly maneuver out of the way to avoid an accident.

Reckless Driving

Tailgating, weaving between traffic, and cutting other drivers off are examples of reckless driving. Each of these behaviors can cause a serious accident. If you notice someone near you is driving like this, give them space and move out of the way safely. Reckless drivers are not concerned about the wellbeing of others, and often know they are engaging in careless behavior. 

Inclement Weather

Rough weather, like rain or snow, can create a hazardous condition for driving. The water sits on the road in a way where the surface becomes slippery and causes cars to slide and lose control of their vehicles. If you get stuck in a rainstorm, drive slower and more carefully. Your tires may feel like they are gripping onto the road as they should, but they can start slipping around at any moment. With cold weather and snow, the roadway can ice over and the entire car could slide around and ultimately crash into another vehicle, building, or object.