Do you consider yourself a very cautious driver? Have you managed to avoid being in a car accident up until this point and hope for that trend to continue? Part of avoiding being in a car accident is to be aware of what causes them in the first place. While some causes may be obvious, others may be a bit of a surprise. To help make you a better, more self-aware driver, here’s a look at three common causes of vehicle accidents in Indianapolis.
Distracted Driving – Many Contributing Factors
Distracted driving is something that isn’t just common in Indianapolis but all across the country, unfortunately. Anytime the driver’s attention is taken away from the road to focus on something else, this is distracted driving.
What many don’t realize is that just a few seconds of distracted driving is all it takes to end up in an accident. It happens that quickly. Any car accident lawyer in Indianapolis can attest to just how easily and quickly distracted driving can become an issue, and lead to a very serious accident.
Some of the things that can distract a driver include:
- Passengers in the vehicle
- Checking their mobile phone (texting, making or receiving a call or scrolling through messages on the screen)
- Playing with the stereo system (adjusting the station, volume, changing the CD and so forth)
- Pets in the vehicle
- Reading a map
- Trying to adjust a navigation system
- Personal grooming and looking in the mirror
- Drinking
- Eating
Each of these activities seems innocent enough but unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
Unsafe Driving – Not Following the Rules of the Road
Another big cause of vehicle accidents in Indianapolis is unsafe driving practices. Even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal to just break the rules “slightly”, it can lead to a series of events that causes an accident. The rules of the road are there for a reason – to keep you, other drivers, and pedestrians, safe.
Some examples of unsafe driving include speeding, not giving the right of way, not leaving enough space between your vehicle and others, not signaling when changing lanes or turning, not paying attention to traffic signs, not driving to the weather conditions, passing in an unsafe manner and more.
Impaired Driving – Often Leads to Serious Accidents
Then there is impaired driving, which can lead to the most serious outcomes at all. If you choose to drive while intoxicated, you aren’t just risking your own life, you are risking the lives of anyone else on the road. Drunk driving is among the top reasons for motor vehicle traffic fatalities.
It’s also important to point out that impaired driving isn’t just due to intoxication; it can also involve the driver falling asleep at the wheel. A lack of sleep can cause impaired driving since it affects a person’s ability to focus and react.
Be Aware of the Common Causes
By being aware of the most common causes for motor vehicle accidents in Indianapolis, it can help you to be a better driver, one that is more alert and responsible.
