According to the World Health Organization, about 1.35 million people succumb to road traffic crashes every year. In addition, vulnerable road users like, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians contribute to more than half of all road traffic deaths.
Road accidents are unfortunately prevalent but avoidable by obeying the rules and regulations required of you while on the road. Larger urban towns or cities are usually more populated than small towns; hence they are prone to record high road accident cases, such as car accidents in dangerous intersections and head-on collisions, or accidents involving trucks (in which case someone like this truck accident lawyer may be called upon by those involved to help them pursue a case against the party at fault).
What Are 5 Common Causes of Road Accidents?
As a driver, it is crucial to ensure your safety and others’ safety while on the road to avoid injuries, deaths, and unwanted auto accident lawsuits. Shockingly, statistics from the World Health Organization revealed that the leading cause of death for those aged 5-29 is road traffic injuries, showing how enacting road safety measures is essential.
Below are the five most common causes of road accidents:
1. Driver Negligence
Driver Negligence is one of the main factors contributing to the increase in road accidents, and it refers to the careless and irresponsible behavior of drivers on the road. Negligence could easily lead to fatal auto accidents, causing severe injuries or death.
Driver negligence includes the following:
- Speeding/Reckless driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Overlooking traffic signals (running a red light)
- Illegal maneuvers
- Reckless driving
2. Poor Road Conditions
If the infrastructure of a road is unsafe, auto accidents are prone to happen. All roads should incorporate a design that will accommodate all users, from cyclists, vehicle drivers, motorcyclists to pedestrians.
When a road is continually deteriorating, and not fixed, it becomes dangerous. Moreover, if it is in bad shape, it inconveniences the driver and increases the likelihood of severe road accidents.
Poor road conditions include the following:
- Uneven road surfaces
- Numerous potholes
- Poorly marked lanes (faded markings)
- Eroded roads
- Damaged or missing road signs
3. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is also a common contributor to road accidents; a distraction considered minor could lead to a fatal accident. Therefore, drivers are advised to avoid being easily swayed by distractions inside or outside the car. A distracted driver is said to be an inattentive driver.
Some common distractions include the following:
- Pets in the car
- Using your phone while driving
- Operating the radio while driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Mirror adjustments while driving
4. Using a Faulty and Unsafe Vehicle
A vehicle that is in good condition increases your survival chances, especially in serious road accidents. Furthermore, it is hazardous to use a car that endangers your life and others’ lives.
Wearing all the protective gear required is also vital, be it a helmet or a safety belt, to reduce the severity of injuries and prevent death.
Some features of an unsafe vehicle include the following:
- A flat tire
- Bad headlights
- Brakes and steering failure
- Overloading
- No safety belts or airbags
5. Inadequate Road Surveillance
Poor enforcement of traffic laws will definitely contribute to drivers overlooking road safety measures. Traffic law enforcers play a significant role in cutting down the numbers of road accidents by intentionally making drivers more vigilant and cautious. Therefore, a place that lacks proper road surveillance is likely to have more road accidents.
Take Preventive Measures
Road accidents have an unpredictable nature, which is quite unsettling to many; however, you could intentionally follow the road safety measures to lessen your chances of getting involved in a grisly road accident.
Furthermore, all road users need to work as an entity and purposefully rule out negligence on the roads. The governments also need to improve the road infrastructure and increase road surveillance to reduce auto accidents and high death rates.