Road Accidents: Common Causes in the U.S.
Road accidents, unfortunately, remain a common occurrence. A brief lapse in judgment or attention is often all it takes for an accident to happen.
When accidents occur, emergency services respond promptly. Depending on the severity, traffic cones and other safety equipment are deployed to cordon off the area and restore safe traffic flow. Thankfully, incidents like these have been on the decline, with a 16% reduction in road traffic accidents in 2020 compared to the previous year.
Let’s explore some of the most common causes of road accidents in the United States:
1. Driving Under the Influence
Despite extensive campaigns encouraging drivers not to drink and drive, it remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in the U.S. Statistics show that drunk driving accounts for 13% of all road fatalities.
Driving above the legal alcohol limit can have severe consequences, including:
- A one-year driving ban.
- Unlimited fines.
- Up to six months of imprisonment.
- A criminal record.
The risk simply isn’t worth it. Beyond the personal consequences, the potential harm to others’ lives is immeasurable. Avoiding this is straightforward: never drink and drive.
2. Lack of Concentration
Distractions are another major cause of accidents, including:
- Failing to observe the road and other users.
- Fatigue and drowsiness.
- Using mobile phones while driving.
Lack of focus is responsible for over one-third of all road accidents in the U.S.
Prevention Tips:
- Stay vigilant and alert while driving.
- Take breaks if you’re feeling tired; fatigue increases the likelihood of death or serious injury by 50%.
- Avoid using your phone while driving. It’s not only dangerous but also illegal, with penalties including a $200 fine and six points on your license (since 2017).
3. Reckless or Rushed Driving
Rushing to reach a destination can lead to aggressive and careless driving, endangering everyone on the road, from other drivers to pedestrians.
Solution:
- Slow down. The few minutes saved by speeding aren’t worth the risk of accidents or harming others.
By addressing these common causes and practicing safer driving habits, we can all contribute to a safer road environment for everyone.