There are countless circumstances that could cause car crashes. Sometimes, inclement weather leads to a wreck. Drivers who have to commute to work during a snowstorm or a downpour could have traction or visibility issues that lead to a crash.
Other times, problems with vehicles can contribute to collision risk. Drivers might fail to properly maintain their vehicles or repair damage to key systems. There might even be defective components that put them at risk of a wreck.
The vast majority of crashes occur because of decisions that drivers make. Those who understand which driving choices are the most dangerous may make better driving decisions and better understand how to watch for those who might be a source of risk on the road. What types of choices can increase collision risk?
Poor driving habits contribute to many wrecks
When looking at the underlying causes of car crashes, certain trends start to stand out. Frequently, the drivers who cause crashes violate traffic regulations immediately before the collision. Three types of violations contribute a significant amount to safety issues on public streets.
According to an analysis of fatal Ohio collisions, the top causes of such wrecks are predictable and preventable. Just under a third of all fatal wrecks (31%) involved a driver who was drunk or otherwise chemically impaired. Researchers found that 25% of the deadly crashes involved at least one motorist operating their vehicle at an inappropriately high speed. Another 6% of deadly crashes involve a distracted driver.
Drivers who want to optimize their safety should avoid operating vehicles after consuming alcohol or using certain prescription medications. They should have a system in place to limit their distraction caused by their mobile device while driving. They also typically need to respect posted speed limits and travel with the overall flow of traffic for optimal safety.
In scenarios where bad decisions such as speeding or texting while driving cause crashes, the people affected may have the right to request compensation. Filing an insurance claim may help people cover motor vehicle collision expenses. In more serious cases, including fatal crashes, litigation might be necessary. Being proactive about safety and assertive about responsibility can be beneficial for anyone who regularly drives in Ohio.
