The More You Know: Top 5 Most Common Reasons for Car Wrecks

By Certified Master Techs in Auto Repair Information

There’s nothing fun about a car accident. In fact, this can be one of the scariest and stressful experiences a person will ever go through.

And yet car wrecks are an everyday fact of life. Millions of people are involved in some type of car accident every single day each year. That’s why it’s important to understand the common reasons why wrecks happen so that you can reduce the odds of being involved in one.

This article takes a look at what causes car accidents and tips for avoiding them. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.

1. Cell Phones

Let’s face it, most people spend far too much time on their cell phones. This is especially true when driving.

The simple truth is that cell phones are a huge distraction. Many people have convinced themselves that they can keep their full attention on the road and other motorists while reading an email or responding to a text. But this is totally false.

Texting is a significant cause of auto accidents, and it’s getting worse with each passing year. Especially since a generation of young people who’ve grown up with smartphones seem to consider driving while texting to be a normal part of life.

The key to reducing a large number of accidents due to cell phone usage is to put the phone away while you’re behind the wheel. In fact, if everyone gets in the habit of putting away their phones, millions of lives will be saved.

2. Speeding

Driving too fast has always been a leading cause of car accidents. It’s also against the law.

After all, speeding is dangerous and reduces your ability to control your car or react to things happening on the road.

People speed for a number of reasons. They’re late for work or an appointment, or they simply hate wasting time in traffic. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying the fact that speeding causes accidents.

Fortunately, many insurance apps on smartphones are able to track your driving habits and offer discounts for drivers who remain under the posted speed limit.

3. Tailgating

Tailgating is both dangerous and annoying. Yes, you might be in a hurry to get someone and want the person in front of you to drive a little faster, but that doesn’t give you the right to be a bully.

Because that’s exactly what tailgating is. You’re simply being a bully. So just stop.

4. Drunk Driving

It’s no secret that driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous. It causes thousands of deaths each year and leads to serious legal problems. So when you’re out with friends and have a few too many, be smart and take an Uber home rather than getting behind the wheel.

It’s also important to understand about truck accidents in Austin.

5. Running Red Lights

It’s never wise to run a red light. Beating a light might save you a minute or two, but it could also get you killed.

A Carowner’s Guide to the Most Common Reasons for Car Wrecks

Being a safe driver is important. Fortunately, the more you understand about the common reasons for car wrecks, the easier it will be to avoid them.