With more vehicles on the road, car accidents in Pasadena are all too common. Various factors can contribute to car accidents and understanding what may cause a crash is just one way you can keep yourself safe on California roadways.
- Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. Drivers can easily be distracted by eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to other passengers. However, most drivers are distracted by their cell phones. California prohibits using cell phones while driving. Yet, texting while driving causes thousands of crashes each year.
- Drunk driving: Despite the known dangers of drunk driving, people continue to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Alcohol impairs a person’s judgment, depth perception, and ability to focus. Additionally, it delays their reaction time to other vehicles or dangerous road conditions.
- Speeding: Driving at high speeds is dangerous because drivers have less time to react to traffic, weather, and road conditions. Speeding may also lead to high-impact collisions, resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
- Improper turns: Stop lights, turning lanes, and turn signals are to help prevent accidents. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore the basic rules of the road and make improper turns. Examples can include turning without signaling, illegally turning at red lights, or turning at a stop sign without completely stopping.
You must always be aware of your surroundings when driving in Pasadena. Even though you are taking all steps to keep yourself safe, other drivers may not be as considerate. Be alert for erratic stopping, excessive speeding, and swerving between lanes. If you notice any of these signs, stay away from the vehicle and report the driver to law enforcement when it is safe to do so.