Vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of death in the United States in 2022. If you want to avoid injuries, death, fines, and increased insurance rates, being aware of how to avoid accidents becomes critical. No matter how good of a driver you think you might be, it’s always valuable to brush up on your safety tips. To assist you, here are the ten most common causes of dangerous vehicle accidents that you should be aware of:
1. Road Hazards
Whether it’s a fallen branch, unfixed potholes, or already-wrecked cars, road hazards have remained a top cause of dangerous vehicle accidents in 2022. Road hazards can often be difficult to spot early enough to avoid, and this is why they prove so dangerous to drivers year after year. By keeping your eyes peeled, however, you can make it much less likely that you’ll fall victim to a pesky road hazard.
2. Speeding
Speed limits are in place for a reason, and civil engineers often spend countless hours determining what the safest speed limit is for a road. By ignoring speed limits, and speeding, you put yourself and others in extreme danger. The more civilian-heavy the traffic around a road is, the more dangerous speeding becomes, so always do frequent checks to make sure you’re following the posted speed limit. If you’re in an accident through no fault of your own, seek out an attorney representing vehicle accident victims immediately.
3. Improper Turns
One of the most important skills you learn when you first start driving is proper turning techniques. Without the ability to take turns in a safe, telegraphed fashion, you put yourself and others at risk. Failing to use turn signals, taking turns too fast, or recklessly taking turns are all major causes of vehicle accidents in 2022 so far. Because this type of reckless behavior is common every year, you should always stay on top of your turning technique and etiquette.
4. Reckless Driving
Speaking of reckless behavior, reckless driving is another major cause of vehicle accidents that you should be aware of. Whether you’re driving in an angry mood, failing to provide the space other drivers need, or driving in some other reckless fashion, this action can put you in danger’s way quickly. Additionally, especially egregious driving can get you slapped with a costly fine.
5. DUI
Driving under the influence leads to countless preventable injuries, deaths, and accidents every single year. Substance abuse is a huge issue in today’s society, and you should always seek out help if you’re struggling with addiction or substance abuse. Whatever you do, always avoid getting behind the wheel if you’re under the influence (no matter how confident you might feel). Injuries from DUIs are also known for taking a long time to heal.
6. Inclement Weather
Inclement weather can refer to heavy rain, snow, hail, intensely bright sunshine, and other factors. All of these can cause issues that lead to you losing control over your vehicle, leading to dangerous accidents as a result. To avoid this tragic scenario, be sure to ensure you can drive safely before hitting the road if any inclement weather is present. Doing so can help you keep your insurance rates lower as well.
7. Running Stop Signs
Unfortunately, many people still refuse to heed the warnings stop signs are there to provide them. Running a stop sign, failing to fully stop, or failing to use a turning signal at a stop sign are all common causes of vehicle accidents in 2022. With how easy these accidents are to avoid, there is no reason you should ever find yourself at fault in an accident because you simply failed to adhere to a stop sign.
8. Distracted Driving
If you’re constantly looking at your phone while driving or distracting yourself with some other task, you put yourself (and everyone around you) at risk. Due to this, larger fines and consequences have been placed on distracted driving. Keep your wallet heavy, and yourself safe, by always paying close attention to the road whenever you’re behind the wheel in 2022.
9. Lack of Sleep
Driving while exhausted leads to some of the most dangerous and deadly accidents on America’s roadways every single year. Some studies even suggest tired driving is even more dangerous than driving under the influence. If you’re too tired to drive, find someone else to take you to where you need to go (or, ideally, go catch up on the sleep your body desperately needs).
10. Ignoring Traffic Lights
In addition, to stop signs and speed limits, traffic lights are put there to keep everyone on the road safe. If you fail to adhere to them, you’re putting yourself at risk of fines, injury, death, and more. Stay safe by simply taking the small amount of time it takes to follow traffic lights completely.
Stay Safe on the Road in 2022
By taking care to avoid these ten common causes of vehicle accidents, you can keep safe and comfortable on the road in 2022. Doing so is your responsibility as a driver, and can help you prevent completely avoidable tragedies. Your conscience, your wallet, and your soul will all thank you for the effort you put into driving safely every time that you get behind the wheel.