Every day, there are tens of thousands of auto accidents throughout the country, as well as here in Houston. While the vast majority of these are fender benders, which could still result in injuries, according to the National Safety Council, there over a thousand serious and life-altering auto accident injuries each day, with nearly 100 deaths.

  • Texting While Driving – Looking down to read a text or reply to one while driving takes your eyes off the road, which can cause you to not see traffic stop in front of you, make you swerve, run red lights, or weave between lanes, resulting in accidents.
  • Talking on a Cellphone – Some people think talking hands-free is safe, but it is not. Talking on the phone diverts your attention off the road as you are trying to listen to the conversation and focus on driving.
  • Other Distractions While Driving – From children misbehaving to trying to eat and drink or put makeup on while driving, any form of distraction that causes you to not pay attention to your surroundings and the road can cause accidents.
  • Speeding – Driving faster than the posted speed limit poses several risks. You could lose control of your vehicle or not be able to stop suddenly in heavier traffic.
  • Driving Under the Influence – Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol affects your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • Failing to Yield the Right of Way – Trying to beat a red light, not yielding to pedestrians, or failing to stop at stop signs can all cause you to get into an accident.
  • Reckless/Careless Driving – Changing lanes without checking your blind spot or weaving in and out of traffic are considered reckless/careless driving and cause accidents.
  • Following Too Closely – Tailgating and not leaving ample space to stop is the leading cause of rear end collisions.
  • Failing to Obey Traffic Patterns/Signs – Turning left or right from the wrong lane in front of cars or driving the wrong way down a one-way street can cause an accident.
  • Not Slowing Down in Construction Zones – Construction zones require you to pay even more attention to your surroundings and slow down. Driving too fast could cause you to hit a barrier wall, construction worker, or another vehicle.
  • Inclement Weather – Heavy thunderstorms and rain showers, along with fog and other severe weather alter driving conditions. If you are having difficulties driving during these conditions, it is better to find a safe place to park and wait for the weather to improve.

While you cannot control other motorists driving, by taking your time, slowing down, and avoiding distractions, you can help reduce the likelihood of being the one responsible for an accident.

When a loved one is seriously injured or dies, it has long-term financial impacts on your family, which can be alleviated by suing the negligent party responsible for the accident with help from our car accident lawyers. To find out if you have a case and what your options are, please feel free to contact Johnson Garcia LLP now to arrange a free consultation.

Source

http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/safety-at-home-motor-vehicle-crash.aspx