As the number one reason of fatality among children under the age of 21, car accidents are an extremely common case of injury and death across the country. However, car accidents happen every minute in the United States, yet many times they could be avoided. The following is a list of the top five causes for motor vehicle accidents.
- Cell Phone Usage – With a reported average of 3 out of every 5 drivers either texting or talking while driving, the phone has become a dangerous utility to drivers, motorists, and passengers alike. As the number 1 cause of collisions, car accident attorney Emery Ledger advises that you keep your eyes on the road to avoid injuries or deaths to yourself and to other innocent drivers. In fact, in the State of California it is illegal to talk or text on the cell phone (unless facilitated by blue tooth or head sets). So next time, resist the urge and wait until you can safely talk or respond back to your message.
- Changing of CDs or Radio Stations – the temptation to take your eyes off of the road in hopes of jamming out to your favorite song could actually cost you more than what you are willing to give up. As the second most common cause for auto accidents, changing cd’s or radio stations causes drivers to take their eyes off of the road and make them incapable of keeping up with their immediate surroundings which can be dangerous for themselves and those around them
- Eating in the Car – Driver distraction is exponentially increased every single time a driver decides to indulge in his or her burger instead of focusing on the responsibility at hand: driving. Though your work schedule may only allow you to squeeze in a breakfast or lunch in the car, it is always best to take the few extra minutes to eat in the parking lot before you decide to get back on the road. As 80% of drivers have reported driver distraction (which eating does categorize under), the possibility of spilling your drink or spilling your food may create an uncomfortable inconvenience for you in the remaining time you have in your car. Moreover, some drivers feel the urge to address the matter right away, and risk their safety in the process.
- Drunk Driving & Illegal Drug Use – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (prescription or illegal) can firmly impair a driver’s ability while on the road. As one of the leading causes to car accidents, alcohol causes thousands of innocent deaths each year as a result of drivers who lost control and irresponsibly drove while inebriated.
- Speeding – Speeding and other displays of reckless behavior may give drivers a quick thrill, but it can make it very difficult for drivers to stop or react to situations that appear in front of them. If they are unable to determine the traffic flow ahead of them and are unable to stop, or are taken by surprise by a car changing lanes, then a driver speeding above the designated limit could cause a disastrous collision.
In order to avoid this kind of incident from continuing, drivers must practice safe driving. Keeping your eyes on the road can avoid mild or severe injuries, even death, in many cases. For any additional questions or information, please contact California car accident lawyer Emery Ledger of Law Offices of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit his website www.LedgerLaw.com.
