The majority of car crashes are caused by dangerous driving behaviors that are avoidable. Here are some common causes and what you can do to protect yourself.
Drunk driving results in thousands of fatalities each year.
According to the Insurance Research Council, over 5.6 million car accidents were reported in 2013. 1,591,000 of these crashes caused personal injury, and 32,719 persons died because of their injuries. The majority of car crashes are caused by dangerous driving behaviors that are avoidable. We can always be responsible for ourselves, but we cannot control other drivers and their choices. Avoid a car accident with a reckless driver by becoming a defensive driver.
Drunk Driving
Drinking and driving kills. Nearly a third of all car accident fatalities are caused by drunk driving. However, you can take certain steps to minimize the risk of a car accident with a drunk driver.
- Avoid late-night driving.
- Avoid driving on “drinking holidays,” for example, the 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
- Drive on the right side of your lane.
- Report suspicious driving behavior immediately.
Driver Fatigue
Drowsy driving is just as deadly as driving under the influence. 21% of car accident fatalities involve a driver who fell asleep at the wheel, and one in third Americans surveyed admit to driving while excessively tired. Follow the following tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Get adequate sleep.
- When on a road trip, take necessary breaks.
- Pull over and take a power nap.
- Avoid alcohol and medications that cause sleepiness.
- Drink caffeine.
Reckless Drivers
Reckless drivers blatantly disregard the rules of the road and will often misjudge common driving situations, leading to accidents. Another third of car accident fatalities are caused by speeding, a form of reckless driving. Other forms of reckless driving include:
- running red lights or stop signs
- tailgating
- weaving through traffic
- illegal passing
- ignoring traffic signs and signals
St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
The majority of car accidents are preventable. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when you get behind the wheel that all drivers on the road will behave responsibly. If a negligent driver has injured you or a loved one, call a St. Louis car accident attorney to protect your legal rights. Call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.