Driving is one of the most common ways to get around. However, there are many different things that can happen to cause car accidents, and these are often out of your control.

The best way to avoid an accident is to learn about causes so that you can prepare for them in advance! Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents today:

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Takeaways for Avoiding Car Accidents
Always drive sober and never drink and drive.
Avoid driving while distracted, such as texting or using your phone.
Obey all speed limits and drive appropriately for weather and road conditions.
Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained to prevent equipment failure.
Be aware of other drivers and take defensive driving measures.
Never drive when feeling excessively tired or fatigued.
Always wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers do the same.
Stay alert while driving, especially during dangerous times of the day.
Avoid driving through dangerous or problematic intersections.
Educate yourself on the most common reasons for car accidents and take steps to avoid them.

Drivers Under The Influence

Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States. In fact, drunk driving claims more lives than any other single cause of death on our roads every year.

If you’re going out for drinks with friends or family and planning on driving home afterward, it’s important that you know how much alcohol is safe for your body to handle before getting behind the wheel.

Drinking too much will impair your judgment and reaction time–and could lead to a DUI charge if an officer spots you swerving or otherwise acting erratically while driving around town after dark!

If you want to prevent car accidents on your next road trip, remember to check these essential items before getting behind the wheel. Trust us; it could save you a lot of trouble and avoidable accidents. Check out the guide on 16 Simple Steps to Avoid a Car Accident on Your Next Road Trip to learn more.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents. Distractions include eating, talking on the phone, texting and other distractions. If you are distracted while driving you are not paying attention to the road and this can lead to an accident or near miss situation.

You can get in trouble with the law if you are distracted while driving so make sure that when at the wheel of your car, nothing else matters except getting safely from A to B!

Distracted Driving Statistics	Data
Fatalities caused by distracted driving in 2019	3,142
Percentage of drivers using cell phones while driving	40%
Average percentage of time drivers’ eyes are off the road while texting	5 seconds
States with handheld cell phone use while driving banned	21
States with all cell phone use while driving banned	48

Speeding

Speeding is the most common cause of car accidents. It increases the risk of a crash and makes it more likely that you’ll be injured or killed if you’re involved in one. Speed limits are set for a reason–to keep us safe! If you start to feel like speeding, take a deep breath and slow down before it’s too late.

Avoid these 13 intersections in America if you want to stay away from accidents and be safe. Check out the guide on The Top 13 Most Dangerous Intersections in America: Avoid Them at All Costs to learn more about these spots, so you can avoid them on your next trip.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a crime and can cause severe injuries, death, and property damage. Reckless driving is dangerous and illegal.

Reckless driving is often caused by alcohol or drugs; speeding; distracted driving (texting while driving); following too closely behind another vehicle; weaving in and out of traffic without signaling or braking properly–all things that put yourself at risk as well as others around you.

Tired Or Fatigued Drivers

Tired or fatigued drivers can be a leading cause of car accidents. Tiredness causes a number of physical and mental changes that make driving difficult, including:

Increased reaction time (the time it takes for your brain to respond to what your eyes see)

Decreased concentration and focus on the road ahead
Slower processing speed, which affects how you react when something unexpected happens on the road–like another car suddenly swerving into your lane or someone running across the street without looking both ways first

Tired or Fatigued Driving Statistics	Data
Percentage of crashes involving a drowsy driver	16.5%
Estimated number of fatigue-related accidents in the US annually	100,000
Percentage of fatal crashes involving a fatigued driver	21%
Average percentage decrease in reaction time for drivers who are awake for 24 hours	25%
Percentage of adults who reported falling asleep behind the wheel in the past year	4.0%

The above table presents data on tired or fatigued drivers, including the percentage of crashes involving a drowsy driver, the estimated number of fatigue-related accidents in the US annually, and the percentage of fatal crashes involving a fatigued driver.

It also includes information on the decrease in reaction time for drivers who are awake for 24 hours and the percentage of adults who reported falling asleep behind the wheel in the past year.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can affect your visibility. If it’s raining, snowing or foggy out and you’re driving, you may not be able to see the road or other drivers.

Weather conditions change quickly. Be aware of what kind of weather is expected in your area and plan accordingly–if there’s an incoming storm, try to avoid driving if possible!

Are you aware of the many myths surrounding car safety? Unfortunately, believing in these myths could be dangerous and increase your risk of accidents. Make sure you know the truth by reading the guide on 15 Deadly Myths about Car Safety That You Need to Know.

Poor Lighting/Road Conditions

Poor lighting and road conditions are two of the most common causes of car accidents, especially at night. If you can’t see well, slow down!

Fog can also be dangerous because it limits visibility and makes it difficult for drivers to gauge distance between themselves and other vehicles on the road.

Rainy weather also causes problems with visibility due to water droplets obscuring windshields as well as poor traction when hydroplaning occurs (when tires lose contact with the surface of wet pavement).

If there’s any chance that you’ll encounter poor lighting or slippery roads during your commute home tonight, take extra precautions by driving at an appropriate speed limit so that if something happens suddenly–like another driver drifting into your lane–you have time stop safely before hitting him/her head-on!

Nighttime Driving

Nighttime driving is more dangerous than daytime driving. The hours from dusk to dawn are when most accidents occur, so you should always be extra careful when you’re on the road at night.

Nighttime driving accidents are caused by many of the same factors as daytime ones: fatigue, inattention, and poor visibility among them. But there are also some specific risks associated with nighttime driving that can put you in danger even if you’re paying attention and staying awake:

Diminished visibility: When it’s dark outside (especially if there aren’t any streetlights), it can be harder for other drivers to see your vehicle coming toward them. This makes it easy for people behind the wheel of another car–even those who aren’t tired or distracted–to drift into your lane without realizing what they’re doing until it’s too late!

Make sure that any time you go out at night with your family members or friends who don’t have much experience behind their own wheels yet (such as teenagers), always stay alert while they drive so they don’t get into trouble either!

Did you know that some times of the day have a higher risk of car accidents than others? Learn more about the most dangerous times to drive on the guide on The Most Dangerous Times to Drive: When You’re Most at Risk on the Road and stay safe.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is the most common cause of car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The term “aggressive driving” refers to any unsafe or illegal driving behavior that is likely to endanger others. This can include:

Speeding
Tailgating (following too closely)
Failure to yield right of way or obey traffic signals or signs

If you feel like you’re getting into an aggressive situation with another driver, slow down and give yourself some space between your vehicle and theirs.

Aggressive Driving Statistics	Data
Percentage of fatal crashes involving aggressive driving	56%
Average percentage increase in fuel consumption due to aggressive driving	10-40%
Traffic fatalities attributable to aggressive driving annually	1/3
Increase in speed-related crashes for every 10 mph above 55 mph	50%
Increase in drivers’ heart rate during instances of aggressive driving	10-30 beats per minute

Driving With An Obstructed View

The most common causes of car accidents are often simple ones. The best way to avoid them is by being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to react if you see something that could cause a problem.

Objects hanging from rearview mirror

Objects on dashboard
Objects hanging from deck lid (the area between the windshield and front hood) or rear window
Objects hanging from windows (including side mirrors)

Driving with an obstructed view can lead to all sorts of problems: You might not be able to see another vehicle approaching from behind, and this leads directly into our next point…

Safety System Malfunction

The most common cause of car accidents is a safety system malfunction. This can happen when the airbags, seatbelts and brakes fail to work properly. If you find that your car is not working as it should, get it checked by a mechanic right away!

Unsecured Cargo

Unsecured cargo is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Cargo can shift during travel, causing damage to your vehicle and others on the road. It’s also a danger to other drivers if it isn’t properly secured, since loose objects can fly off your car and cause serious injury or even death.

Most drivers don’t realize how much cargo they’re hauling around with them every day–it could be anything from tools in your trunk to groceries in the back seat. Even if you’re just transporting something small like an empty cardboard box, it’s still important that this item has been appropriately strapped down (or simply left at home).

Before you start your vehicle and drive away, make sure to check these essential items, which are often overlooked and could put you at risk of accidents. Learn more about the 12 things you’re forgetting to check before getting behind the wheel in the guide on 12 Things You’re Forgetting to Check Before Getting Behind the Wheel.

Conclusion

We hope that you now have a better understanding of the most common causes of car accidents.

If you want to avoid being involved in an accident, it’s important to understand how these factors can affect your driving.

You should always be aware of what’s going on around you, especially when driving at night or in bad weather conditions. Also keep in mind that even small distractions like adjusting your radio station or eating while driving could cause accidents if they’re not handled properly!

FAQs

How can I avoid car accidents?

There are several ways to avoid car accidents, including:

Not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Following speed limits and driving appropriately for the weather and road conditions
Avoiding distracted driving and keeping your attention focused on the road

Maintaining your vehicle to prevent equipment failure
Looking out for other drivers and taking defensive driving measures

What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?

If you are involved in a car accident, you should:

Check yourself and others involved for injuries and call for medical assistance if needed.
Call the police and report the accident.
Exchange information with other drivers involved, including names, phone numbers, and insurance information.

Take pictures of the damage and accident scene.
Contact your insurance company to report the accident.

How much does a car accident cost?

The cost of a car accident can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the accident, the number of parties involved, and the amount of property damage and personal injury. The costs can include medical expenses, property damage, car repairs, lost wages, and legal fees.

Is it necessary to have car insurance?

Yes, having car insurance is necessary to protect yourself and others in the event of a car accident. In many states, it is also legally required to have at least liability insurance coverage.

What should I do if I witness a car accident?

If you witness a car accident, you should:

Call for emergency assistance if needed.

Approach the accident scene with caution and offer any assistance you can, such as calling for help or providing basic first aid.
Take pictures of the accident scene and damage, if possible.
Provide your contact information to the involved parties and police if they ask for it.