What Is the Likelihood I Will Experience a Car Accident?

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the top cause of motor vehicle crashes across the United States. With our increased dependency on technology, we find ourselves distracted by everything from cell phones to the radio features in our vehicles. The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.

Drunk Driving

Drunk and impaired driving continues to cause devastating motor vehicle crashes every year. According to the NHTSA, approximately one-third of car crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers.

Reckless Driving

We’ve all been there when trying to merge on a highway: another vehicle follows us so closely we’re nervous about hitting the brakes. Tailgating is just one of many reckless behaviors that cause accidents on roadways every year. Speeding, swerving suddenly in and out of lanes without signaling, and road rage can be several other forms of reckless driving.

Drowsy Driving

Long hours and workweeks often leave many drivers exhausted at the end of the day, and then they have to drive home. Driving under extreme fatigue slows reaction times and dulls comprehension skills. Fatal crashes as a result of driving while tired occur every year and often involve other vehicles.

Weather Factors

Another serious contributor to motor vehicle accidents is the weather and its effect on roads and highways. With inclement weather like rain and snow in some areas, hydroplaning is a serious threat for drivers traveling at high speeds. Icy streets also pose a significant danger to cars, especially at intersections. Potholes and other road defects increase the risk of experiencing a car accident because the driver may lose control from the sudden impact.

A recent article in Forbes estimated drivers file claims for motor vehicle crashes just under every 18 years. This translates into a couple of accidents during your driving years overall. Most experts agree that the severity of accidents you might experience will likely not be catastrophic or fatal, but you should hire an experienced car accident attorney when you have a wreck.

The important thing to think about when driving a car isn’t what your chances are of getting hurt, but what you can do to protect yourself and avoid auto collisions. We can’t always protect ourselves from the negligence of others. When this happens during an auto crash, it’s important to know who to trust for help.