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The 6 main reasons car accidents happen

by | May 21, 2015 | Car Accidents

It’s no secret that car accidents happen every single day in Colorado, but do you know why these accidents take place? As you may suspect, there are many different reasons and a lot of accidents happen for a combination of reasons and not just one alone. That being said, the six most common reasons are listed below.

1. Distractions

It’s been claimed that anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of accidents just happen because a driver isn’t paying attention. This isn’t just because of cellphones, either; many drivers crash while rubbernecking and looking at a previous wreck.

2. Fatigue

When drivers are tired, it’s harder for them to pay attention and their reaction times decrease. Additionally, some drivers just fall asleep at the wheel.

3. Drinking

Drunk driving accidents have been declining, but they are still a significant problem. Thousands of people die in DUI wrecks every year — including 16,654 estimated deaths in 2004.

4. Speed

Drivers who speed don’t have nearly as much time to react when something unexpected happens – like another car turning into the lane. Speeding is also very dangerous since it adds a lot of energy to the crash, so people are more likely to be hurt or killed.

5. Road rage and aggression

Even when drivers aren’t fighting one another as they do when experiencing road rage, aggressive driving is still dangerous. It includes things like tailgating, which minimizes safety zones.

6. The weather

Winter weather is notoriously dangerous with all of the snow and ice, but summer weather can be dangerous as well, as heavy rains cause hydroplaning and make the roads slick.

Those who are hurt in accidents for any of these reasons must know if they have a right to compensation for any economic and non-economic losses.

Source: Six Wise, “The 6 Most Common Causes of Automobile Crashes,” accessed May. 21, 2015