Introduction

According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2009 there were almost 11 million car accidents cross ways the country. That is the uppermost number on record, and it is a figure that will likely continue to grow along with the country’s inhabitants. Even with today’s technology and a greater emphasis on automobile safety, car accidents continue to occur. The causes of car accidents are pretty varied, but it is important for all of us -- as members of the motoring public -- to understand the most common causes of car accidents so that we can make every effort to prevent them. There are two broad categories of causes when it come to car accidents. The first is driver error, and the second category encompasses everything else. According to studies done by the National thoroughfare Traffic Safety Administration  as well as by a variety of states, driver error is by far the largest single cause of car accidents in the United States.

Reasons of driver error

Within the category of driver mistake lays a variety of different types of heavy behaviors that lead to car accidents. Driver mistake is most often the result of “distracted driving.” By far the most common cause of driver distraction is the use of cell phones. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 25% of all automobile crashes are related to cell phone use, whether by chatting on the phone or texting. Why is this the case? Much of our decision-making while driving is a result of the “Myth of Multitasking”, as described in a recent study by the NSC. Medical studies have shown that the human brain is physiologically incapable of performing two important tasks as the same time. Rather, the brain engages in “micro-tasking.” The brain handles only one task at a time, but it switches very rapidly, back and forth between competing tasks. Because the brain cannot adequately process all of the information coming in, the brain selects to process only a part of the information. The result? We fall victim to the assumption that we are dealing with both tasks sufficiently, when in fact we are not effectively accomplishing either task.

Driver’s ability

The question then arises -- How does this effort at multitasking affect our driving? As drivers, the likelihood of avoid any hazard depends largely on our ability to first perceive the hazard, and then take appropriate action to avoid it. The proper response can mean the difference between safely avoiding a road hazard and causing an accident. The margin of mistake is often only a matter of seconds. If the driver is engaged in an activity such as texting on a phone or adjusting the radio, the brain is less likely to perceive road hazards in enough time to allow for a safe response. Other driver-based decisions also lead to car accidents, and they can operate in much the same way as distraction. According to recent statistics compiled by the NHTSA, alcohol was a factor in more than 40% of all auto fatalities. A driver’s decision to consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a car results in decreased reaction time, poor vision, and poor decision-making. Driving while fatigued has similar effects on drivers. Not only is a exhausted driver more likely to fall asleep while driving, but fatigue also slows reaction times when it comes to responding to hazards on the road. An intoxicated driver or a fatigued driver is much more likely to miss a traffic manage signal such as a stop sign, compared with an alert driver. Speeding is another source of driver error, and it is a common cause of accidents among young drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), teen drivers are more likely to pace than adult drivers, and male teens are more likely to speed compared with their female counterparts. Those most likely to speed are also the least experienced drivers, and the least equipped to deal with a high-speed hazard encountered while driving. Poor decision-making also leads drivers to drive too fast for local conditions such as poor weather or bad visibility.

Cars accident no response driver

There are also a number of non-driver related causes of car accidents. The physical condition of the roadway can play a significant role in causing a car accident. If a road is improperly maintained, that may make it difficult to maintain traction or to stop in time for a hazard. The same holds true for weather conditions. Moisture -- whether from rain or snow -- can make a roadway slippery, again affecting driving conditions. Weather can also impair visibility when conditions include fog, rain, or snow. The mechanical performance of your car can also play a role in the cause of accidents. A failure to properly maintain the brake system or tires may impede your ability to stop a car in advance of a hazard. Other mechanical issues may reduce your ability to steer clear of any hazard you encounter on the roadway Every year auto accidents results in hundreds of thousands of injuries and nearly 35,000 deaths in the United States. In facts traffic collisions are the leading cause of preventable deaths in our country. Thus it is important to have an understanding as to the leading factors contributing to car accidents.

Traffic accidents

Speeding while driving and Reckless Driving: Failing to follow the speed limit is the most common cause of traffic accidents in the United States. Use of Mobile Phone – Texting While Driving: The proliferation of mobile phone use has resulted an increased level of danger on our roads. In response national and state legislatures have passed strict anti texting laws; while the judicial system has begun to charge individuals whose texting while driving resulted in deaths, with manslaughter. Other forms of Distracted Driving – There are numerous types of distracted driving. Some of the most common types of distractions resulting in high incidences of traffic accidents include, eating, smoking, listening to loud music or changing the dial, reaching for objects in the vehicle, and looking or talking with other passengers in the vehicle. Driver Fatigue – Falling Asleep in the Wheel – According to recently published data driver fatigue is the cause of 2.5-3.0 percent of all roadway related fatalities in the United States. Individual that have a history of falling asleep at the wheel may be prosecuted for a criminal offense. Drunk Driving – and Driving While under the Influence of a Narcotic Substance: According to studies driving while under the influence of alcohol results in a 900% increase in the probability of an auto accident. Rubber-necking – Rubbernecking is another type of distracted driving and takes place when drivers look other things on the road not linked to their driving. Examples include watching other accidents, looking at sunsets, and nice views. Defective Automobile and Automobile Parts – Common auto defects that can cause severe injuries to occupants include, tire defects, defective design of Sport Inutility Vehicles resulted in vehicles being more prone to rollovers, seatbelt defects and defective airbags. Defects on Roadway Construction – The improper design of roadways result in hundreds of auto accident fatalities each year. Liable parties can include CALTRANS and construction contractors for improper installment of traffic lights and roadway signals. Poor Weather Conditions – Example of weather condition posing the greatest dangers to motorists on the road includes icy roads, high winds, and rain after a prolonged drought resulting in oily surfaces. Improper Coning off of Construction Zones – Road work is needed to maintain and built the countries transportation infrastructure. However in many cases road construction crews fail to safely cordon off construction zones resulting in an increased probability of auto accidents.