Leading Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents not only result in increased auto insurance premium but also affect the life of you and your family members. In this article we’ll be taking a closer look at the leading causes of car accidents and how to prevent them. Among the various causes of auto accidents, the 3 major dangers that are overlooked are eating or drinking while driving, not seating a child in the baby car seat and using your cellphone while driving. Based on a survey, 57% of drivers responded that they eat while driving, even though it is a major factor that distracts driving. 56% of people answered that they have turned around to talk to young children or passengers in the back seat. 29 % agreed that cell phone use is a factor that distracts their driving.

1) Eating or Drinking While Driving

Eating or drinking while driving acts as a distraction and slows your reaction time. This prevents you from making quick maneuvers to avoid car accidents. Based on police reports related to auto accidents, 25 percent are caused by distracted drivers. What you think is a brief moment to wipe off spilt food or drink may lead to colliding with the car in front of you. Eating and drinking while driving is not illegal. However, for your safety, it is recommended that you consume food or drink only when necessary and be extra cautious when doing so.

2) Proper Use of Car Seats

Thousands of children are said to be injured every year due to the negligence of securely seating them in car seats. It is no easy task to secure a child in a car seat when the weather is very hot or cold, when you are in a hurry because of a busy schedule, or when they are being uncooperative. However, by law, children under 5 years of age or under 36 inches tall must ride in a child safety car seat. In addition, children under 9 years old or smaller than 4 feet 9 inches, are recommended to use a booster seat with adult safety belts.

3) Using Cellphones While Driving

Cellphones have improved our lives in many convenient ways and has become a necessity in our daily lives. However, behind the convenience, there are some concerns, one of which is the rapid increase in the number of accidents caused by using cell phones while driving. According to statistics from the National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration (NTHSA), one out of four accidents are caused by drivers that were distracted while using a cellphone. In an effort to curb these unfortunate events, the Texas State Assembly implemented special laws to discourage the use of cell phones while driving. The law doesn’t ban all drivers from using cell phones while driving. However, it prohibits transit drivers and school bus drivers from using cellphones while minors are present.

Experts recommend the following safety measures when it’s inevitable to use cell phones while driving.

• Use a Bluetooth or speaker mode
• Keep your eyes on the road at all times
• Never dial while driving
• Avoid using your phone while driving in bad weather or heavy traffic
• Avoid stressful conversations while driving
• Never look up phone numbers while driving