Getting into an automobile accident is an overwhelming and scary event. It is also an event that can lead to a wide range of unwanted consequences, including serious and permanent injuries, loss of wages, and even fatalities. Although many accidents can be prevented, and you are a very careful driver, each time you get into your vehicle there is a risk of getting into an accident due to someone else’s negligence. When negligence on the part of another driver causes a car accident, the results can be even more overwhelming and financially draining. Here are the most common causes of car accidents in Everett, Washington.
Distracted Driving
Many people mistake the number one cause of automobile accidents in Everett, Washington has been driving while intoxicated; however, the number one cause is actually distracted driving. Distracted drivers cause an alarming amount of extremely serious automobile accidents, even with experienced drivers. In order to safely drive a vehicle, you must have your full attention on the road. Drivers who attempt to do something other than driving lose focus on driving and may cause an accident. Some common forms of distracted driving may include:
- Sending and receiving text messages
- Eating food
- Talking on a cell phone
- Looking for a location or object outside of the vehicle
- Reaching for a child or animal inside of the vehicle
- Applying makeup
- Reading a book
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a moving violation during which time a time shows no regard for the rules of the road. Reckless drivers not only put themselves at risk, but they put others on the road at risk as well. If reckless drivers escape an accident, they can still face stiff consequences, including steep fines, jail time, and loss of their driver’s license. Along with causing an accident, some common forms of reckless driving often include:
- Improper turns
- Tailgating
- Running traffic lights
- Driving without headlights
- Speeding
- Suddenly braking
- Weaving in and out of traffic
Driving While Intoxicated
Consuming alcohol causes you to lose the ability to function properly and to have a clear focus, making it extremely dangerous when you are operating a motor vehicle. Intoxicated drivers cause serious, as well as fatal car accidents every day. Accidents that are caused by driving while intoxicated are the number one type of preventable accidents. There are many different ways to avoid driving while intoxicated. Whether you call rideshare, a friend, or a family member, you should never drive after consuming alcohol, even if you have only one alcoholic beverage.
Speeding
It’s common for drivers to immediately pick up speed when they enter the interstate; however, driving over the posted limit significantly increases the risk of an accident. The faster you drive, the slower it will be for you to react in situations where you can prevent an automobile accident. For your safety and the safety of others on the road, slow down and abide by the posted speed limit.
Rain
When the weather is bad, the roads are also bad. Rain can make it difficult to stop, to stay on the road, and difficult to avoid crashing into another vehicle. Although driving during any part of a rain shower can be risky, it’s most difficult to drive safely during the beginning of a rain shower, because as the roads begin to get wet it causes oil to rise to the surface of the road, creating a slick, greasy surface. When this happens it’s more difficult to slow down or stop and the rain makes it more difficult to see other vehicles. The best way to reduce the risk of an accident while driving in the rain, be sure to slow down, leave room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you and use extra caution, especially at the beginning of the rain shower.
Teens and Inexperienced Drivers
When teenagers and other inexperienced drivers get on the roadways they don’t always know what to do, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather. This lack of experience and lack of patience often ends up causing an accident. Research has shown that teen drivers are more likely than older, more experienced drivers to underestimate or recognize a dangerous situation. Teen drivers are also more like to drive while distracted, driving while intoxicated, tailgate and speed. Even worse, they are also the largest group of drivers to most likely not wear their seat belt, which often makes their injuries more serious and increase the risk of fatalities.
Running Stop Signs & Red Lights
One of the most important rules of the road to remember is that red means stop and when you fail to do so, it typically leads to serious automobile accidents. A driver that runs a red light increases the risk of causing a fatality because they typically cause head-on or side-impact collisions at extremely high speeds. Blowing through stop signs is also a common cause of serious side-impact crashes. There are thousands of serious automobile accidents each year as a result of drivers blowing through a stop sign.
Manufacturer Defects
It’s only fair to say that there isn’t any perfectly made product, and automobiles aren’t any different. Vehicles have hundreds of parts and any of them can be defective, which may lead to a serious automobile accident. There have been several automobile manufacturers that have had problems with design defects. For instance, Toyota’s recall for vehicles with unintended acceleration that led to several crashes or Ford’s rollover accidents. Some common examples of defects include:
- Defective tires
- Brake failure
- Poor steering and suspension
If your car has a defect, some experts will identify what it is by using an autel maxisys. This can help to ensure it doesn’t happen again and your car will hopefully not be in an accident.
Tailgating
Impatient and reckless drivers often drive so close to other vehicles that they can’t react in time if the vehicle in front of them suddenly brakes. Dangerously tailgating another vehicle can lead to fatal automobile accidents. The easiest way to prevent these types of automobile accidents is by allowing enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you; the recommended amount of space is one car length for every 10 miles per hour that you drive. For instance, if you’re driving 50 miles per hour, leave five car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.
The greatest prevention of accidents is you. As soon as you enter your vehicle and begin driving, it’s up to you to drive with care and caution as well as respect for the road and other drivers. However, accidents happen and if you do get into an accident in Everett, Washington due to the negligence of another driver, the best thing you can do is to seek the representation of an experienced accident attorney.