Cars are great luxuries that provide us with an easy, affordable, and fast way to travel from point A to point B. However, it is not uncommon for drivers to lose control of their vehicle and crash into someone else. Unfortunately, it’s all too common. Nearly 1.25 million people die a year around the globe due to traffic incidents. Another 20-50 million are injured. It seems that as each year passes, vehicles are being made to be safer and even more technologically advanced. Yet accidents keep happening. What causes so many accidents? How can we avoid them? What do I do in the event of a car crash? These are a few important questions that we must answer.
Causes
Car accidents can be caused by an incredible number of factors. Maybe the person was not paying attention to the road because they were busy texting. Distracted drivers are much more likely to cause a crash than someone who is actively paying attention to their driving. Or maybe there was a mechanical error in the car’s system that caused the driver to lose control. Maybe the tires blew out, the transmission fell out, or the brakes failed. Many deaths can be pointed to a driver being impaired by alcohol or drugs. It’s for that reason that there are laws prohibiting people from driving if they have been partaking in any alcohol or drug activity.
Avoiding Car Accidents
To avoid being in a car accident, drivers must pay attention and eliminate distractions. Of course, we can’t control what other drivers are doing, but we can maintain control of what we do when we drive. Stay off your phone, don’t put on makeup, and wait until you stop to get a bite to eat. By planning your trip well, you won’t have to be in a rush to reach your destination and therefore, you will have a higher chance of getting there in one piece.
Be sure to get your car checked out on a regular basis. Rotate your tires regularly, change them when needed, change the oil, get inspections, etc. Especially when you are embarking on a long-distance travel, maintaining the mechanics of your car is very important.
If you decide you want to go to a party and get drunk and high, make sure your have a designated driver or an Uber/Lyft to help you out. Too many people take innocent lives due to driving under the influence. The legal limit of alcohol for drivers 21 years or older is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.07%. Anything above that and you will be detained for drunk driving. Drive smart, not drunk.
The Aftermath
Odds are you will probably be in at least one car accident in your lifetime, whether that be something as simple as a fender bender or completely totaling your car. Hopefully that will never happen, but it’s good to know what to do just in case. Whether it was your fault or not, getting a car accident lawyer phoenix az (if you live in Arizona) will help you. A lawyer will help you plead your case if you are the guilty party, or they will help you receive compensation for any damage or injury from someone else.
Be cautious when operating a motor vehicle. Drive defensively, pay attention, and be responsible. Always be prepared before traveling. And remember, we all share the road and should be courteous of one another.