Most people will end up in a car accident at some point in their lives. In fact, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation found that in 2014, 332 crashes occurred on average every day.
It is much better to avoid a car accident in the first place than have to deal with the aftermath. Here are five typical reasons why people end up in a collision:
1. Distracted driving
While distracted driving can almost be anything, it often consists of doing any of the following while driving:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Eating
- Grooming
- Reading
- Talking to passengers
No text or meal is worth getting into a crash. All drivers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times when operating a vehicle.
2. Speeding
Most of the time drivers speed because they are running late. Therefore, the easiest way to avoid speeding is for all drivers to give themselves plenty of time when they leave the house. It is better to be a few minutes late than to put other people at risk.
3. Drunk driving
Many campaigns have been initiated to inform people about the dangers of drunk driving. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving , there were over 44,000 people arrested for DUIs in Pennsylvania in 2015. Anyone who even feels buzzed should avoid getting behind the wheel.
4. Rain/Inclement weather
No matter how experienced people think they are when it comes to driving, extra precautions are always needed when driving in the rain. Drive below the speed limit, and keep headlights on even if it is the middle of the day.
5. Reckless driving
Reckless driving refers to any actions while driving that could be considered aggressive. Speeding constitutes reckless driving, but it can also include merging into the other lane without looking first. A lot of good can be accomplished if all drivers merely exercised more restraint while on the road.