Top 10 Causes of Car Wrecks: 2016

03 Jan Top 10 Causes of Car Wrecks: 2016

The year is coming to a close – 2017 is here and many changes are sure to be in store. However, a growing number of car wrecks is something that unfortunately seems to stay constant throughout the years.

Each year holds its own statistics and with advances in technology and changes in laws, the causes for wrecks are constantly shifting. It’s important for drivers to be aware of the most common causes of crashes. A knowledge of these causes can help drivers avoid dangerous situations and create safer roads.

According to The Association for Safe International Road Travel, more than 37,000 individuals will lose their lives in car wrecks in the United States each and every year. In addition to that, it is estimated that almost 2 million others will be injured or become disabled as a result of a car crash.

According to a statistical projection from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle traffic fatalities rose 10.4 percent in the first half of 2016 compared with a year ago.

Here are the top causes of car accidents in 2016:

1. Distractions While Driving – Typically this is due to illegal use of cell phones, but other causes include reaching over to tune the radio, talking to passengers, and believe it or not, lighting a cigarette while trying to handle the wheel.
2. Speeding – Many times the driver is going anywhere from 10 to 30 miles (or more) above the speed limit and driving fast does reduce reaction times. Want to avoid an accident? Obey the speed limits.
3. DUI (Drunk Driving) – Each state has a legal blood alcohol limit, but no matter what it is the rule of thumb is that even if you’ve had a single drink you should let someone else do the driving.
4. Reckless / Careless Driving – This can be the result of a number of careless behaviors when behind the wheel. Speeding, improper changing of lanes, and tailing too close are just a few examples of careless driving. Ultimately, if you aren’t obeying the traffic laws, you’re probably driving carelessly.
5. Weather (Especially Rain) – Not only does heavy rain create poor visibility, but rain on oil-slicked roads also makes it difficult to stop. Snow and high winds are also weather-related causes of traffic accidents, but not nearly as numerous as those related to rain.
6. Failure to Stop at Traffic Lights – If you fail to yield the right of way while another car is traveling through the intersection, a crash will probably ensue with you being at fault.
7. Failure to Obey Stop Signs – Next in line is failing to stop at stop signs. Just as in failure to yield the right of way at red lights, failing to stop at stops signs is a leading cause of crashes.
8. Teen Drivers – No one is singling out teen drivers to be mean. The reality is that they are simply inexperienced and typically more careless than older, more seasoned drivers. With age comes experience – so if you are a teen, it is better to be slow than sorry. Slow down, learn the rules of the road, and be patient. Good driving will come in time.
9. Impaired Vision of Night Driving – Typically it is elder drivers who have trouble with night vision, but there are younger adults who also suffer this impairment as well. If you have trouble seeing at night either find an alternate driver, wait until daylight to travel, or simply slow down and take it easy.
10. Defects Within the Design of the Vehicle – Every day you hear of a class-action lawsuit involving recalls that were never made. Defects within the design of the car come in as number 10 in the leading causes of car wrecks.

Many of these causes can be easily avoided by slowing down and obeying traffic laws. Car wrecks affect so many more people than just the driver, so it is important to be aware and careful on the road. Take time to educate yourself on common car crash causes and drive safe in 2017!