Most drivers have been involved in a vehicle collision at some time. While most collisions are not severe enough to cause injury, many can be.
NMVCCS provides national estimates of the events and factors that lead to crashes involving light passenger vehicles. The information collected can be used to develop systems that prevent accidents.
Driver Error
Almost all car accidents are the result of driver error. Even the most severe wrecks could be avoided with more attentive and careful driving.
Based on reports, one of the causes of motor vehicle accidents in Arizona. This can include talking to passengers, texting, and adjusting GPS settings while driving.
Other types of dangerous driving include changing lanes too fast, running stop signs, and speeding. These behaviors put other drivers at serious risk, especially if they do not notice that you have pulled out in front of them.
Drivers may also fail to recognize hazardous conditions, such as a sharp curve or uneven road surface. This can cause them to drive too fast for the road’s current condition, leading to a crash.
Drowsy Driving
Sleep-deprived driving affects the brain as much as drunken or drugged driving, slowing reaction times, impairing judgment, and increasing lapses of attention. This is a dangerous combination when behind the wheel of a vehicle and can result in accidents with other vehicles or stationary objects.
Fatigued drivers may misjudge distances or speeds, drift into another lane, drive too fast or too slow, follow other vehicles too closely, run red lights or stop signs, and even fall asleep at the wheel. Drivers who feel drowsy should pull over and get some rest or have someone else drive for them.
Everyone is susceptible to drowsy driving, but shift workers, young people, and those with sleep disorders are particularly at risk. Driving while drowsy can cause crashes that injure or kill drivers and passengers.
Vehicle Defects
Vehicle defects and malfunctions cause a significant number of accidents. While some problems become known through news media reports, others go unnoticed and can be life-threatening to unsuspecting drivers.
Many people suffer severe injuries every year because of defective vehicles. Defects can include airbags that don’t deploy or deploy with too much force, faulty seat belt buckles that are hard to fasten, and cooling system, electrical or fuel system problems that lead to car fires.
Auto manufacturers are responsible for designing and manufacturing safe vehicles but often prioritize profits over safety. You may be eligible for compensation if you suffered roof crush injuries in a crash caused by a mechanical failure.
Weather
Weather is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents because it can impact a driver’s visibility, causing the roads to become slippery and reducing the control they have over their vehicles. This can lead to a collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, or stationary object.
Foggy conditions make it difficult for drivers to see other cars or pedestrians and cause them to miss traffic signals such as a green light turning yellow or red. This can result in a rear-end collision with an oncoming vehicle.
Roads can be dangerous due to several factors, such as potholes, construction zones, faded road signs, and uneven pavement. Taking precautions while driving, including wearing seat belts and avoiding distractions like cell phones or eating, can help prevent car crashes.
Road Conditions
While reckless and careless drivers can cause many car accidents, road conditions also play a significant role in many crashes. Whether from poor maintenance, weather, or other factors, these conditions can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and collide with another vehicle or stationary object.
Government agencies and contractors are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining safe roadways. When they fail to do so, the results can be deadly. Road defects, such as holes, pits, uneven pavement, and unreasonably narrow lanes, can increase a driver’s risk of getting into a crash.
