Many of us get in the car, fire up the engine and head on our merry way without giving our safety a second thought. We may make hundreds of journeys without encountering any problems at all, but the reality is that driving poses risks. Even if you’re a brilliant driver, you can’t control the conditions or the way other people drive. In the US alone, more than 2 million people suffer injuries in car crashes every year. Here are some of the most common causes of accidents, and some tips to help you stay safe when you’re behind the wheel.

Speeding

Speeding plays a role in around a third of accidents on US roads. If you’re driving at excessive speeds, it’s harder to retain control of a vehicle, and the severity of injuries is likely to be increased. If you hit another car, or an obstacle such as a tree, at 30 mph, you may only sustain minor injuries, and your vehicle may escape unscathed. The story is likely to be very different at 70 or 80 mph. Always pay attention to speed restrictions. Remember that if you’re driving too fast, and you have a crash, there’s a good chance that you would be held liable for the incident. This means that you may get a call from a car accident law firm, and you may also face police charges. You may be tempted to put your foot on the gas on a clear, sunny day when it’s quiet on the roads, or you need to get somewhere as quickly as possible, but bear the potential implications in mind. It’s not worth taking unnecessary risks.

Image via https://www.flickr.com/photos/chadelliott2012/5659144073

Drunk driving

Around 1 in 3 crashes in America involve alcohol. Drinking has a profound impact on our ability to make sound judgments and react quickly. If you’ve been drinking, your reaction time will increase, you may not be aware of hazards around you, and you might also lose concentration. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a drink on a Friday night, but make sure you don’t ever combine drinking and driving. Book a cab, take the bus home or travel with a designated driver.

Picture courtesy of https://kaboompics.com/photo/3756/pouring-white-wine-into-glasses

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is the most common cause of road accidents in the US. When you’re out on the roads, the environment changes continually, and hazards can appear from nowhere. If you’re talking to somebody in the back, you’re on the phone, or you’re messing around with your sat nav system, you run the risk of being unable to react to danger. If somebody pulls out, or a dog runs out from behind a parked car, and you’re in the middle of texting a friend, there’s every chance that you’ll crash. When you’re driving, focus on the road. If you need to make a call, use an in-car system, or pull over in a safe place.

Image source: https://kaboompics.com/photo/2984/woman-in-the-car-with-her-dog

You may think that you’re a careful driver, but that doesn’t mean that you’re immune to injuries. Car crashes happen on a daily basis, and every time you take the wheel, there’s a risk of being involved in an accident. Take care on the roads, abide by the rules, and be mindful of other drivers.

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