Car crashes are one of the leading causes of personal injury in Philadelphia. Every day, more than 100 people are injured in car crashes in the city. The most common cause of car crashes is driver error. Other leading causes include distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding.
Driver error is the leading cause of car crashes. Inattention, distraction, poor decision making, and inexperience are all common causes of driver error. Distracted driving is another leading cause of car crashes. Distracted driving includes anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Common distractions include talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio. Drunk driving is another leading cause of car crashes. Drunk drivers are impaired drivers and are more likely to make mistakes. Speeding is another leading cause of car crashes. Speeding makes it difficult to stop or maneuver in an emergency.
Most car crashes are caused by human error, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, or distracted driving. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to a car crash, including weather, road conditions, and mechanical problems.
Here are the five leading causes of car crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
1. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Each year, more than 10,000 people die in car crashes that involve drunk driving. Drunk driving is a crime in all 50 states, and it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
In addition to drunk driving, drugs can also impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug among drivers, and it can cause drivers to become drowsy, confused, and unable to focus.
2. Speeding
Speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all car crashes. speeding can increase the severity of a crash and make it more likely that a crash will occur.
3. Distracted driving
Texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, and other distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road. Distracted driving is a factor in nearly one-quarter of all car crashes.
4. Weather
Bad weather, such as rain, snow, and ice, can make it more difficult to see and be seen by other drivers, and it can make it more difficult to control a vehicle.
5. Road conditions
Poorly maintained roads, such as those with potholes, can cause a car to crash. In addition, construction zones and debris on the road can also be a factor in car crashes.
There are many ways to prevent car crashes. The best way to prevent car crashes is to drive safely. Drive defensively and be aware of other drivers. Do not drive distracted or impaired. Obey the speed limit and other traffic laws. If you are involved in a car crash, seek medical attention immediately. If you are injured in a car crash, contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.