Common causes of car crashes
An unexpected New Jersey car accident can be hard to handle even when it only involves minor damage to your vehicle. If your crash was more serious, you might have sustained serious injuries requiring lengthy medical treatment. Car accidents can result in multiple types of losses, including quickly increasing medical bills, lost income from time missed at work, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. It is thus important to understand the most common causes of car accidents and take steps to avoid engaging in similar driving behavior.
Human error and car crashes
Human error is involved in the vast majority of car crashes, meaning that most collisions are preventable. In a study commissioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), researchers found that driver error was the critical reason immediately preceding collisions. The NHTSA reports that the critical reason is the last event occurring immediately before a crash, but it might not be the primary cause. However, avoiding common driving errors could help to reduce the risk of serious motor vehicle accidents.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
The following are some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in New Jersey:
- Speeding – Traveling above the posted speed limit or driving too fast for the weather or road conditions
- Inattentive driving – Daydreaming or zoning out while driving, which results in longer reaction times and a reduced ability to identify potential hazards
- Drowsy driving – Driving without sufficient sleep or for too many hours without rest breaks
- Impaired driving – Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescribed, legal drugs
- Distracted driving – Driving while removing attention away from the road, including texting, reading, eating, talking to passengers, or engaging in other distracting activities
In addition to these common contributors, other driving mistakes can also cause car accidents. Whenever you get behind the wheel, it’s best to follow all traffic laws, wear a safety belt, and keep your attention focused on the road and other drivers around you. While you can’t control the behavior of other motorists and prevent all accidents, practicing safe driving behaviors might reduce your risk of accident involvement.
If you are injured in a car crash, getting advice from a New Jersey car accident lawyer can ensure you receive adequate compensation to recover.