The Top 3 Causes of Automobile Accidents and Collisions

February 23, 2016 11:24 am Published by Tweet

There are a lot of reasons why someone might need the services of a tow truck. Having an unauthorized vehicle removed from their private property, getting help for a flat tire, transporting an immobile vehicle due to a breakdown, and needing a lift to the nearest station after running out of gas are just a few examples. However, the most urgent situation where someone would require the help of a commercial towing company is the one that no one wants to think about: a car accident.

Any number of factors can contribute to the occurrence of a car accident. Unfortunately, most of them, such as poor weather conditions, defective car parts, hazardous road construction and the behavior of other drivers, are out of our control. Despite this, there are certain changes we can make in our driving behavior that can help us to drive smarter and, more importantly, drive safer. Below is a list of the three most common, yet preventable, causes of car accidents and collisions:

Distracted Driving

Believe it or not, driving while distracted is actually the top cause of car accidents and collisions in the United States today. It is more frequent, and just as dangerous, as driving drunk. So, what does it mean to “drive distracted”?

Drivers who make phone calls, text, e-mail, eat, daydream, rubberneck, or give their undivided attention to their passenger(s) while behind the wheel of a vehicle are guilty of distracted driving. These are all examples of extreme and unsafe tasks that can ALWAYS wait until the car is in park. Remember that remaining watchful and ignoring surrounding distractions and temptations make for safer driving.

Reckless Driving

Reckless drivers can be guilty of speeding, running red lights, ignoring stop signs, making illegal turns, changing lanes unsafely, failing to yield to vehicles that have the right of way, or any combination of these.  Sometimes irresponsible driving can be the result of a bad day, or rushing to get to one’s destination.  Other times it’s simply the result of not paying attention, as discussed in number one above.  Either way, it only takes one small mistake behind the wheel to turn into one big, life-altering accident.

While we can’t control what other drivers do on the road, including reckless behavior, we can control what we do.  This is why it’s important for everyone to understand and abide by all traffic laws, including us.

Driving Under the Influence

While it’s scary to think that a person is injured in a drunk driving accident every two minutes, it’s even more terrifying to think that almost 30 people die as a result of a drunk driving accident every single day. What can we do to change this? In this case, the simplest answer is the best one: DO NOT DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE!

Those who drive under the influence are guilty of knowingly putting themselves and others in danger by operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs. The worst part about such a careless decision is the fact that alternative methods of transportation are so easily available, like hailing taxis, boarding buses, or calling a friend or family member for a ride. Intoxication distorts one’s judgment, and while getting home may seem to take priority in that moment, it’s far more important to do the safe thing, and in this case, the right thing. Remember, letting someone else take the wheel could save a life, including yours!

When it comes to driving, safety should always take priority, and having a better understanding of the leading causes of car accidents, and the factors that contribute to them, will help to prevent drivers from making potentially fatal mistakes. At Duvall’s Towing, we want all of those driving on the road to stay safe. Whether it’s a breakdown, an accident, or a collision, if you ever find yourself in need of a tow truck company you can trust, keep our number handy and give us a call at 561-432-8488! 

Categorised in: Safety

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