5 Most Common Reasons Car Accidents Occur
By Craig Knapp on July 23, 2016

In 2013, the Arizona Department of Transportation reported a total of 107,348 crashes. In these, 50,284 people were injured and 844 were killed. Despite technological advances working to reduce the amount of driving accidents each year, auto accidents remain a risk daily for Americans everywhere. That’s why it’s important that every driver know the five most common reasons car accidents occur:

Weather Conditions
Although accidents are caused by driver error, weather conditions play a huge role in how these mistakes happen. The presence of rain or snow on the road can impair a driver’s ability to control their vehicle, as it’s difficult for even the best anti-lock braking system to stop a vehicle traveling on a slippery surface from hydroplaning. Additionally, fog, rain and even sunshine and dust storms (frequently seen in Arizona) can reduce visibility. When these things happen, don’t hesitate to pull to the side of the road and wait until the bad weather clears.

Speeding
One of the most dangerous causes of car accidents is speeding. Increased speed lessens your ability to adequately react to animals in the road, unexpected road conditions, and other cars. Even more, when these accidents happen in conjunction with increased speed, it worsens the crash and injuries, and increased the likelihood of fatalities.

Reckless Driving
Paired with speeding, reckless driving can be deadly.This includes changing lanes without signaling, ignoring traffic signs and lights, making improper or illegal turns, and failing to yield according to the law.Whether on a freeway or a small residential road, it’s imperative to obey traffic laws to ensure the safety of you and others around you.

 Drunk Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2013 more than 10,000 people were killed in accidents that involved a driver who had a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. This means every 52 minutes, someone was killed in an alcohol-related accident. It should go without saying, but each year thousands make the deadly decision to get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts not only you at risk, but everyone around you. With more ways to find a safe ride home than ever before, drivers have no excuse for not doing so. Hail a taxi, call an Uber or Lyft, catch the lightrail, contact a friend or take a bus. Whatever you do, don’t get behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving
Usually associated with teenagers, this last cause of accidents is quickly rising as one of the biggest contributors to injuries and deaths. In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 420,000 people were injured in car accidents caused by distracted drivers and more than 3,000 lives are claimed each year. The most common cause of distracted driving accidents in the U.S. is due to drivers sending or receiving text messages, eating, talking on the phone, grooming, adjusting their radios or iTunes catalog and even admiring the scenery. How can you avoid being another distracted driving statistic? Keep your eyes on the road. And if you need extra help, check out some apps to help end distracted driving.

A serious car or motorcycle accident often has extraordinary consequences. Talk to a Phoenix auto accident attorney at Knapp & Roberts law firm about what you need to do to recover for your damages. If you have a legal matter you wish to discuss with one of our attorneys at no charge, please contact us at 480-991-7677 or complete the Do I Have a Case form on our website and one of our personal injury attorneys in Phoenix will contact you.