It happens in an instant. Brake lights flare ahead, you stomp the pedal, the tires squeal, and you lurch forward as your car hits the one in front of you.
A crash can bring injuries, money problems and real emotional strain. Could it have been avoided? Not always, but many accidents can be prevented. Below are 20 of the most common causes of car accidents and how to steer clear of them. Some may seem obvious, but they’re good reminders of what to watch for every time you drive.
1. Distracted driving
The top cause of crashes isn’t drinking, speeding or running red lights. It’s distraction: anything that pulls your attention from the road. Texting, picking songs and phone calls are the big ones, but eating, helping kids in the back seat and grabbing something off the floor count too.
2. Speeding
Speed limits are set for the road you’re on, based on traffic, curves, road surface and more. The faster you go, the less time you have to react and the longer it takes to stop.
3. Drunk driving
Alcohol dulls your focus and coordination, which makes driving extremely dangerous. Drunk-driving crashes are completely preventable yet still happen every day. If you’ll be drinking, use a designated driver or a ride service.
4. Reckless driving
Careless habits cause needless crashes: speeding, changing lanes too fast, skipping turn signals and tailgating. Reckless drivers tend to be impatient, so give aggressive drivers extra room.
5. Rain
Weather plays a big role in crashes, and rain is one of the most common culprits everywhere. Wet roads get slick, making cars, trucks and motorcycles more likely to skid or spin when braking. Slow down and drive with extra care.
6. Driving under the influence of drugs
Alcohol isn’t the only thing that impairs judgment. Legal and illegal drugs alike can affect how well you drive. If your mind isn’t clear or you’re not fully in control of your body, don’t get behind the wheel.
7. Running red lights and stop signs
Red means stop. Drivers who blow through red lights and stop signs often cause high-speed side-impact and rollover crashes that can be deadly. Always come to a full stop and look both ways.
8. Teen and new drivers
Habits that seasoned drivers do without thinking, like checking blind spots, signaling and following the rules of the road, are still new to inexperienced drivers. That lack of experience can lead to crashes.
9. Night driving
Driving after dark can double your chance of a crash. When you can’t see what’s ahead, it’s harder to anticipate hazards. As daylight fades, raise your awareness of the road and the cars around you.
10. Unsafe lane changes
Changing lanes carelessly is a common cause of collisions. Signal every time and check your blind spot before moving left or right.
11. Improper turns
Traffic lights, turn signals and dedicated turn lanes exist to guide drivers. Ignoring them leads to crashes. Watch for signs and yield the right-of-way before you turn.
12. Tailgating
Impatient drivers often follow so closely that they can’t stop in time if the car ahead brakes. A good rule is one car length of space for every 10 mph you’re traveling. Many fatal crashes start with a driver tailgating at high speed.
13. Ice and snow
Winter roads are dangerous: snow turns to slush, and ice can be nearly invisible. If roads are icy or snowy, the safest choice is not to drive. If you must, leave extra distance, slow down, brake gently, and don’t slam on the brakes if you hit ice.
14. Road rage
Everyone gets annoyed at other drivers sometimes, whether it’s a missed signal, a slow car in the fast lane or someone cutting you off. Some drivers let anger take over, tailgating or racing ahead to brake-check, and cause needless crashes. If you meet an angry driver, get out of their way and don’t engage.
15. Potholes
A pothole can damage your car, blow a tire or make you lose control. Keep your eyes on the road and steer around them when it’s safe.
16. Drowsy driving
Driving while exhausted doesn’t get much attention, but it’s about as dangerous as driving impaired, and most drowsy-driving crashes happen at night. If you’re struggling to stay awake, don’t push through. Pull over somewhere safe and take a short nap.
17. Tire blowouts
Shredded tires litter most highways, and a blowout can injure you and the people around you. Keep your tires at the right pressure and make sure lug nuts are secure. If a tire blows, hold the wheel steady and pull over safely.
18. Dangerous curves
Sharp curves have earned nicknames like “dead man’s curve” for a reason. When signs warn you to slow down for a turn, do it.
19. Vehicle defects
No car is built perfectly. Check regularly for recalls that could cause a malfunction. The NHTSA recall lookup makes it easy to see if your vehicle is affected.
20. Animal crossings
Animals don’t follow traffic laws. Slow down near animal-crossing signs and use your high beams in rural and wooded areas when it’s safe to do so.
More ways to stay safe
- Turn your headlights on at dawn, at dusk and in rainy weather.
- Check your tires, brakes, lights and mirrors regularly.
- Know your car’s limits.
- Keep your vehicle well maintained.
Hurt in an accident anyway? Accident Care and Treatment Center in Oklahoma City has more than 20 years of experience treating auto accident injuries, and it’s all they do. Call (405) 842-3209 or visit AccidentCare.com.