Our roads are hazardous, yet all of us depend on them. Perhaps if we were more aware of both our own behavior and that of other drivers, we could avoid falling into some of the bad decisions that frequently lead to crashes.
Four out of five of the causes we cover here have to do with driver decision-making. Although unfortunate, this can mean good news. If driver behavior makes roads dangerous, improving driver behavior could make roads safer for us all.
1. Distracted Driving
Each day in the US, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes reported to involve a distracted driver. Of all the different types of distractions, texting while driving is the most common and one of the most dangerous.
Drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a wreck. Texas is one of the many states where texting while driving is illegal. But other types of distracted driving, including eating, using infotainment systems and talking to passengers are very common and just as dangerous.
2. DUI/DWI
Alcohol and drugs reduce driver reaction times, impair decision-making and affect a driver’s vision, all of which make the driver much more likely to crash. According to the CDC, 29 people die every day in the U.S. in motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol. This amounts to one death every 50 minutes.
3. Speeding
Around 31% of all traffic deaths are the result of speeding. It’s such a major problem in America that some agencies, including the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, have argued that the penalties for speeding should be just as severe as the punishments for DUI.
In Texas, a first offense DUI comes with heavy fines plus a driver’s license suspension of up to a year, according to the state Department of Transportation. Speeding rarely has punishments that severe, except in very egregious situations.
4. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving can mean running a stop sign or red light, tailgating, drag racing, doing burnouts, driving while intoxicated, excessively speeding, or doing any other kind of driving act that shows a disregard for the safety of others. Reckless driving causes thousands of serious injuries and deaths every year.
5. Bad Weather
Bad weather is the only thing on this list that isn’t directly the result of a driver’s actions. After all, no one can control the weather. The Federal Highway Administration says that roughly one out of every five car accidents are related to weather conditions.
Rain, hail, fog and strong winds make driving much more hazardous. If you’re ever caught in bad weather, try to give yourself some extra time to get where you need to go, slow down, and be even more cautious than usual.
Our Dallas Car Accident Lawyers Investigate all Crash Causes
If you were hurt by someone else’s negligent or reckless driving, you deserve compensation. The car accident attorneys at The Fell Law Firm know how to investigate crashes and determine the true cause. We invite you to contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your injuries and how we may be able to help.
