Poor weather, defective auto parts, drowsy drivers – there are countless factors that can contribute to accidents. However, the vast majority of collisions are preventable. As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains, more than 93 percent of crashes stem from human error.
Three of the most common – and deadliest – driver mistakes are:
- Drunk or drugged driving;
- Speeding;
- And distracted driving.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 27 people die every day in the United States due to drunk drivers. In 2014, 1,149 children younger than 14 lost their lives in accidents with drunk drivers.
Alcohol and certain drugs – even over-the-counter medications – can affect response time and coordination. Still, more than 28.7 million people admitted to driving after drinking alcohol in 2013.
- Speeding
According to the NHTSA, 10,219 people lost their lives in traffic accidents that involved speeding in 2012. That means speeding played a role in nearly one-third of all traffic deaths.
The faster you drive, the less time you will have to respond to unexpected hazards. Not only does speeding increase your risk of crashing, but it can also make injuries worse if a collision happens. The extra velocity adds force to the impact, which can cause severe property damage and bodily injuries.
- Distracted Driving
It is no secret that texting behind the wheel is dangerous, but distracted driving takes many forms – and it killed more than 3,100 people in 2014.
The three main categories of driver distractions are physical, visual, and mental. The deadliest distractions fall into all three classifications. Texting and using Snap Chat are prime examples.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent distracted-driving collisions:
- Turn off your smartphone, or put it in the glove box, before you start the engine;
- If you are a young or inexperienced driver, do not carry more than one passenger;
- Ask a passenger to adjust climate and audio controls for you;
- Do not eat or drink behind the wheel;
- And resist the urge to gawk at accident scenes.
You should also be cautious if you notice signs of distraction from other motorists. Examples include:
- Abnormal braking and accelerating patterns;
- Stopping far before or after a stop line;
- Swerving;
- Looking down;
- And almost hitting an object.