The vast majority of accidents stem from driver mistakes. In fact, according to Alert Driving, 90 percent of collisions involve human error. The silver lining of this statistic is that most accidents are preventable. Following traffic laws, obeying the speed limit, avoiding distractions, and driving defensively can help you avoid most collisions.
The most important strategy for reducing your risk of crashing is to understand the main causes of accidents. These include:
- Distracted driving;
- Impaired driving;
- And speeding.
Unfortunately, not all drivers behave responsibly. If you suffered injuries due to a negligent motorist in Mississippi, contact Morris Bart, LTD.
You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical expenses, and noneconomic damages. A Biloxi injury lawyer from our firm can evaluate your collision to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Here is a brief overview of three common driver errors:
Distracted Driving
According to Distraction.gov, the official U.S. government website for distracted driving, more than 3,100 people died in 2014 due to distractions. Another 431,000 sustained injuries.
There are three main types of distractions: visual, cognitive, and physical. The most dangerous distractions fall into all three categories. Texting is a prime example.
Other common distractions include:
- Eating and drinking;
- Smoking;
- Gawking at accident scenes and billboards;
- Loud passengers;
- Adjusting climate and audio controls;
- And using electronic devices.
Avoiding these distractions can significantly reduce your risk of crashing. You should also look for signs of distraction from other drivers. If another motorist shows abnormal braking and accelerating patterns, swerves, or is looking down as if using a cell phone, then keep your distance.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol contributes to an unacceptable number of fatal accidents each year. According to Responsibility.org, drunk driving accounted for 31 percent of all traffic deaths in 2013.
The best way to avoid drunk-driving crashes is not to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Also, you should watch out for signs of intoxication from other motorists, which are similar to those of distracted driving. Common examples include:
- Swerving;
- Stopping well before or after a stop line;
- Abnormal accelerating and braking patterns;
- Almost striking an object in the road;
- Using the wrong turn signal;
- And driving at night with the headlights turned off.
Speeding
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding contributed to 10,219 U.S. traffic fatalities in 2012. That was 30 percent of all traffic deaths.
Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to unexpected hazards. It also lengthens stopping distance, and when a collision happens, the velocity has a direct impact on the amount of force sustained by vehicle occupants.
If you were injured by a driver who was distracted, impaired, speeding, or otherwise behaving negligently, contact a Biloxi auto accident lawyer from Morris Bart, LTD. We will handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery.
Our firm has been representing the injured for more than 30 years. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
