The Most Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Collisions
Teen drivers probably know more about the rules of the road than more experienced drivers. That is because they’ve just gone through the 90-page driver’s manual issued by the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Ironically, teen drivers get into more accidents because they lack driving experience and confidence behind the wheel. That is why giving them as many opportunities to practice driving as possible is essential. Understanding the most common causes of motor vehicle collisions can help drivers avoid them altogether.
Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day, an average of nine people are killed in car crashes where distracted driving is the cause. The following are some common examples of distracted driving:
- Talking and texting on a cellphone
- Eating
- Programming GPS
- Changing the radio station
- Personal grooming
- Unharnessed pets
- Disruptive passengers
The issue of texting while driving is such a concern that the West Virginia legislature passed a law in 2012 that states the following:
“While operating a motor vehicle on any street, highway, or property open to the public for vehicular traffic in this state, no driver may:
(1) Physically hold or support, with any part of his or her body, a wireless communication device or stand-alone electronic device: Provided, That such prohibition shall not apply to the wearing of a smartwatch.
(2) Write, send, or read any text-based communication including, but not limited to, a text message, instant message, e-mail, or social media interaction on a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device: Provided, That such prohibition shall not apply to a voice-operated or hands-free communication feature which is automatically converted by such device to be sent as a message in a written form;
(3) Make any communication involving a wireless telecommunications device, including a phone call, voice message, or one-way voice communication.”
The law goes into even more detail about specific devices and actions. The bottom line: They want drivers to have their hands on the wheel and focus on the road ahead!
Driving Under the Influence
The impact of motorists who cause crashes while driving under the influence impacts every community. In West Virginia, 56 people were killed in DUI accidents, and 2,382 arrests were made, according to data provided by Responsibility. In West Virginia, a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 is considered to be driving under the influence. That level can happen with two to four drinks, per the University of Arizona.
Fatigued Drivers
Long-haul truckers are susceptible to fatigued driving, but anyone can fall asleep behind the wheel. That includes driving during the day. A driver who microsleeps could drift into another lane or run a traffic light, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive drivers can come in many forms. Here are some of the prime examples of aggressive driving:
- Tailgating
- Changing lanes without warning
- Driving too close
- Weaving in and out of traffic
The best approach when encountering an aggressive driver is to let them pass. You don’t need to engage with them to get them to change their behavior. You can call the police and alert them of the situation.
Speeding
Speeding can be considered as another form of aggressive driving. The more someone speeds, the less braking time they have to avoid a collision. Speeding also increases the impact force in a crash, leading to more property damage and severe injuries.
Failing to Yield
Every driver shares the road with several other drivers. That requires multiple instances of yielding with every trip. Yielding happens when you head onto the highway, at intersections, and in parking lots. There are clear instances of who has the right of way in every situation. However, only some people accept those rules, and that is when a failure to yield triggers an accident.
Resolving the Accident
The cause of every car accident matters to how an issue is resolved. That resolution can come in the form of a payout if you suffered serious injuries in a car accident. Before that can happen, you must be successful with an insurance claim or potential lawsuit. The experienced attorneys at Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, can help with that goal.
We prioritize every case, which begins with the first free consultation. Call to discuss what happened in the accident, and we’ll discuss the best options for moving forward.
