8 Lesser-Known Causes of Car Accidents
We know that drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding are three common causes of accidents. Many public messaging campaigns have been done over the years to help prevent these dangerous driving behaviors. In this article, we’re going to share some of the lesser-known causes of car accidents because it’s important to keep them in mind too if you want to reduce your chances of being in a motor vehicle crash.
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligent behavior of another driver, contact a local car accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and possible next steps.
8 Lesser-Known Causes of Car Accidents
Here are eight lesser-known causes of car accidents:
- Staring at something interesting
Humans are naturally curious so when something catches our eye like a car accident or a pedestrian doing something wacky, we want to stare at it to get a better look. When we are driving a vehicle, though, we end up rubbernecking or craning our neck to get a better view as we drive past the thing that interests us. The problem is that we also tend to slow down when we do this and it takes our eyes off the road ahead of us. Essentially, it’s a form of distracted driving.
- Big feelings
When we are driving while experiencing big feelings such as anger, sadness, or shock, it can lead to a serious lack of concentration and decrease our ability to drive safely. Your focus is on your emotions, rather than the road. If you are feeling very emotional, it’s best to get yourself to a calmer place before getting behind the wheel. If something upsets you while you are driving, pull over and get a handle on your feelings before merging back into traffic.
- Road rage
Continuing on the subject of big feelings, road rage and the driving behaviors that come along with it are a contributing factor for car accidents. Drivers should avoid tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, revving their engine, or slamming on their brakes. Better yet, learn to manage feelings of frustration on the road.
- Wildlife and other stray animals
When we’re driving along, we aren’t usually thinking about or expecting an animal to come running out in front of our vehicle but it definitely happens. In the Pacific Northwest, we have all known someone who had a deer collision or a close call. It’s also fairly common for dogs and cats to escape and run across the road. As we swerve to avoid hitting animals, the risk of an accident is high.
- Poor vehicle maintenance
It’s really important to keep your car in good working condition – especially the brakes and tires. Faulty brakes can send your car crashing into another vehicle or off the side of the road. Bald or deflated tires can also make it impossible to drive safely.
- Eating and drinking
Fast food restaurants are everywhere it seems and with our hectic lifestyles, it is very tempting to swing through a drive through and eat in the car on the way to our next activity. It’s important to remember that eating and drinking in the car is a form of distracted driving. You never know when something hot or messy will spill into your lap and take your eyes off the road.
- Poor road design
Have you ever noticed that changes to road design happen from time to time? Often, changes are made because of a high rate of dangerous accidents happening in a particular location. When roads are poorly designed, they can create a huge risk for traffic accidents – a car accident lawyer can assess whether poor road design was a factor in your collision.
- Rowdy children
It’s no secret that kids can be loud, rowdy, and stressful and they don’t necessarily behave any better when they’re in the car. Young babies and toddlers may also cry or become upset in their car seats. While it’s natural to want to soothe or quiet down your children while you drive, make sure to do so in a way that keeps your eyes on the road. If you can’t, it’s best to pull over until you can get the kids to calm down.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you.
