Know – and avoid – the common causes of car accidents.
Auto accidents happen everywhere, every day. Most people know someone who has been in an accident, if they themselves have not. Not only does this rack up huge auto repair bills, insurance claims, and medical costs, but the results are often devastating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death among people aged 3 to 33. So that you know what to avoid, check out the common causes of car accidents.
Distracted Driving: Driving while distracted seems to be on the rise with all the latest gizmos and gadgets built and brought into vehicles. While cell phones, smart watches, and navigational systems may be useful in the vehicle, in reality, they can do more harm than good. In our busy world, everyone wants to be multi-tasking at all times. The one place that this shouldn’t be done is in the driver’s seat.
Speeding: Speeding causes one-third of all auto accidents in the U.S. Just the difference between 40 and 60 miles per hour can double the impact of a crash. Going an extra few miles per hour won’t save you that much time, but it can save your life if you stick to the speed limits. Work on leaving 10 minutes earlier to get to your destination so that you’re not tempted to speed.
Under the Influence: Driving under the influence, whether it be drugs or alcohol is a poor choice made by many. There are serious laws and penalties for those who choose to do so if they even survive the accident. Drunk driving not only puts the driver’s life in danger, but everyone else on the road, too. Always designate a driver to make sure you don’t put anyone else in danger when you drink.
Unfamiliar Roads/Laws: Being unfamiliar with an area can be a cause of an accident. Whether it’s making lane changes last minute or not following the rules of the road, driving poorly puts the driver at a higher risk of an accident.
Good driving habits keep you safe. For everything else, there’s car insurance. Visit Chambers & Company Insurance Brokers for a quality auto insurance policy today.