The causes of driver crashes are numerous and can vary depending on the circumstances. Driver crashes, also known as traffic accidents, are caused when a vehicle collides with another object such as another vehicle, a pedestrian, a guardrail, or any other stationary object. Driver errors are the most common cause of traffic accidents and include behaviors such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and failing to yield. Additionally, environmental factors, including inclement weather, poor road conditions, and inadequate lighting can also contribute to driver errors and consequently lead to driver crashes.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from the task of driving safely and following the rules of the road. It can include using a cell phone, texting, eating, drinking, using a navigation system, adjusting the radio, and having conversations with passengers. Distracted driving is the leading cause of driver crashes and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that approximately 400,000 people were injured in 2018 due to distracted driving and 3,166 were killed.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is any form of driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other substances that impair a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, illegal drugs, and even certain types of foods. Consuming any of these substances before getting behind the wheel increases the risk of driver crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 28 people die every day in the United States due to drunk driving.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of driver crashes and is responsible for many fatal accidents each year. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to changing traffic conditions, which can lead to a crash. In addition, it increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle and increases the severity of injury if a crash does occur. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a factor in approximately 26 percent of all fatal crashes.
Failing to Yield
Failing to yield is another common cause of driver crashes. Failing to yield can refer to a driver failing to stop at a red light or stop sign, or not yielding right-of-way when entering a roadway. Failing to yield can be particularly dangerous if the other driver is speeding or distracted and unable to adjust their speed or direction in time to avoid a collision.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as inclement weather, poor road conditions, and inadequate lighting can also play a role in causing driver crashes. For example, wet or icy roads can reduce the traction between a vehicle’s tires and the road, making it difficult for a driver to maintain control of their vehicle. Poorly maintained roads or roads without adequate lighting can be dangerous, as they can make it difficult for drivers to see potential hazards until it is too late.
Driver crashes can have devastating effects on those involved and can cause significant emotional and financial hardship. To help reduce the number of driver crashes, drivers should always follow the rules of the road and practice safe driving behaviors such as avoiding distracted and impaired driving, obeying posted speed limits, and yielding right-of-way to other drivers. Additionally, drivers should take extra caution when driving in bad weather or on poorly maintained roads.