Partnered Post
Every day there are hundreds of road traffic accidents all over the country. They cause injuries, sometimes fatal and they happen for a wide variety of reasons. If drivers are distracted behind the wheel, this takes their focus away from the road and if everyone was distracted then this could be very dangerous. Drivers often get tired after being behind the wheel for a long time, resulting in errors that could have easily been prevented. From poor visibility to unsafe road design, there are many reasons why accidents occur, but here are the top five:
Distractions
Distracted drivers are the most common reason people have road accidents. Whether it’s because they’re using their phones, eating or drinking behind the wheel, if the concentration is not fully on the road and the other cars then everyone is at risk. You also need to be extra careful when when you have children in the car or are towing something like car trailers or caravans. If you have children in the car you need to drive extra safely too and try not to get distracted by them, although it can be difficult. Try also not to get distracted by other people’s bad driving.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit is all too common and many motorists are so used to it, they don’t even know they’re doing it. They think they are in control, however, it is illegal and hugely increases the risk of losing control of a vehicle and causing an accident. The faster a car is going, the longer it takes to slow down. Even just a slight increase in speed can result in a much higher risk of being involved in a collision, so it is essential for motorists to be aware of the speed at which they’re travelling and stay within the legal limits.
Drunk Driving
Although it is also illegal, some people still drive after drinking alcohol, and because of this, their response time and ability to focus on the road are hugely affected meaning they’re usually slower at braking when they need to. Even a small amount of alcohol can be enough to create a significant increase in the risk of an accident. Drunk driving accidents can be prevented, there is no need for anyone to drive after a drink, with taxis, ubers, bikes, there’s no excuse for putting yourself and others in danger. If you know you will need to drive then it’s essential to avoid alcohol or you need to go out with a designated driver if you plan on consuming alcohol.
Reckless Driving
Speeding, tailgating, changing lanes without looking and ignoring road signs are all classic signs of reckless driving. It is another illegal driving habit usually involving a driver who is less concerned about other road users than themselves.
Rain
The weather can have a really negative impact on people’s ability to drive and rain is one of the leading causes of road accidents. When the road becomes very wet, it is common for cars to lose their grip on the road, meaning that they are at risk of sliding across the road’s surface. This reduced control for drivers and increases the risk of an accident happening. Rain-related driving risks are often increased by poor car maintenance, such as tyres that don’t have a deep enough grip or aren’t inflated properly. Because of the many safety risks associated with driving in intense rain, it’s important to be extra alert and aware of road conditions, speed limits and traffic during rainy weather.
