Although all traffic accidents are inconvenient--and many are tragedies--some are more common than others. But knowing the causes of traffic accidents can help you avoid them, because you can take preventative measures. Some of the most common causes of traffic accidents include:
ALCOHOL AND DRUNK DRIVING: Drinking alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to see, think, react and reason. Never, ever drink and drive. Instead, if you plan to go out for an evening, designate someone to remain the sober driver, call a cab, or take public transportation. Also, if you're out driving late on a weekend night, keep your eyes open for any fellow drivers who may be intoxicated. If you see a car weaving, driving excessively slow or excessively fast, move out of the driver's way and contact local authorities.
SPEEDING: The hazards of speeding are that it slows the time you have to react to an impending collision, it creates the possibility of losing control of your vehicle, and it slows the time other drivers have to react to you. In general, it's always best to obey the posted, legal speed limit. These limits are scientifically designed to ensure your safety--and the safety of those around you--on any road or street.
DISTRACTED DRIVING: You're playing with the radio, chatting on your cell phone, or trying to eat the world's largest chili hotdog. Whatever the cause of the distraction, it creates a hazard for you and others on the road. In fact, a recent study found that a young man talking on his cell phone lowers his reaction time to that of a 70-year-old! So avoid distracted driving by keeping cell phones off and the radio tuned to the same station.
WEATHER: Bad weather--like rain, sleet, thunderstorms and snow--are often responsible for traffic accidents. Many folks don't realize that this type of weather requires more cautious driving. So the next time it starts raining, lower your speed, flip on your headlights, and pay closer attention to other drivers on the road.
