According to statistics, in 2012 the number of car accident fatalities across the country increased by five percent and while experts know that more than 90% of car accidents are caused by driver behaviors and driver mistakes, it has been hard for researchers to determine exactly what happens to cause car accidents.
Now technology is being used to get some answers. As part of a huge new study, more than 31 000 volunteer motorists’ cars have been equipped with GPS systems, cameras, radar, accelerometers, and other technology to monitor speed, acceleration, and just about everything else. Virginia Tech researchers will sift through all the data – which they expect will include about 700 crashes – to determine what causes accidents and near-misses.
While the new study is very useful and will likely provide some great insight into ways that we can prevent car accidents, researchers and experts agree that there are already a few known causes of car accidents that drivers can address in order to reduce their risk of a car collision:
1) Distraction. Distraction is one of the leading causes of car accident and has received a lot of press in recent years. Nevertheless, many people continue to drive distracted and continue to cause car and truck collisions in Hollywood and other communities. Any time that your eyes leave the road, your hands leave the wheel, or your mind leaves the driving process, you are distracted. You may be distracted by your passengers, the scenery around you, or a mobile device, but it does not change the fact that you are at risk of pedestrian accident or another serious collisions. When you get into a vehicle, your sole focus should be on driving safely.
2) Inebriation. Drunk driving accidents in Hollywood and other communities unfortunately continue to be an issue, despite the fact that all drivers understand the risks of drinking and driving. In addition to driving drunk, however, drivers also run a risk when they drive under the influence of drugs, prescription medication, or over-the-counter medication that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, and loss of mental focus. Whenever you take a substance that can affect your driving ability, it is important to find a safer route home. If you are taking medication – whether it is over-the-counter, herbal, or prescribed — it is important to speak with your doctor and your pharmacist to ensure that you can drive safely while taking the substance.
If you have been in a car accident and believe that the car accident was preventable and caused by someone’s negligence or recklessness, contact Flaxman Law Group to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation to review your situation with a personal injury attorney. Flaxman Law Group is a full-service law firm with a team of dedicated attorneys who work around the clock to provide legal advice and representation for clients from all walks of life. Your initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation. Flaxman Law Group attorneys are also willing to work on a contingency fee basis, so that you do not have to pay for legal fees until and unless Flaxman Law Group attorneys win money on your behalf.