Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bardstown

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, not just in Bardstown but across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,308 lives were lost in 2022 due to a distracted driver. Whether texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers, any activity that takes a driver’s focus away from driving increases the risk of an accident. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to rear-end collisions, sideswipes, or more severe accidents.

Speeding

The temptation to exceed speed limits is common on the town’s open roads, such as those leading to the nearby rural areas. However, driving over the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of any potential collision. According to the KTC report, there were 1,166 speed-related crashes in the state for 2022.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Kentucky has strict DUI laws. Despite these regulations, impaired driving continues to be a major problem. Bardstown’s local events, such as the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, can sometimes lead to an increase in drunk driving incidents. According to the above data, alcohol-involved crashes made up 13.5% of all fatal accidents in 2022.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or running red lights are just some behaviors that can lead to collisions. Aggressive drivers are unpredictable. They can cause accidents that are difficult to avoid. Last year, 6,070 vehicles were involved in tailgating incidents, per the KTC report noted above.

Weather Conditions

Depending on the season, rain, fog, ice, and snow are all common throughout the state. Wet or icy roads reduce tire traction and increase stopping distances. In turn, this can lead to skidding or hydroplaning. While the weather is uncontrollable, all drivers should adjust their driving to suit the conditions. If someone fails to slow down or use caution during adverse weather, they may be liable for any accidents.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs

Ignoring traffic signals and signs is another common cause of accidents in Bardstown. Failing to yield led to 12,092 collisions while disregarding traffic controls caused 3,713 accidents in 2022. When drivers fail to follow these basic rules of the road, they put themselves and others at risk.

Fatigued Driving

Fatigue can impair a driver’s reaction time, decision-making, and overall awareness. State-wide data from the above KTC report stated that 635 crashes were related to fatigued driving, and 1,181 accidents had a driver falling asleep at the wheel. Long drives, late-night travel, or lack of sleep commonly contribute to driver fatigue.

Poor Road Conditions

While Bardstown maintains its roads well, poor road conditions can still be a factor in car accidents. Potholes, uneven pavement, and lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents. Sometimes, the local government or a construction company may be held responsible for failing to maintain safe roadways.

Now that you know Bardstown’s common causes of car accidents, you can try to avoid these scenarios. But sometimes, collisions are inevitable, especially when another driver’s reckless behavior is at play. In most cases, these factors are tied to negligence on the part of another party. If this is the case with your car accident, you will need to talk to a lawyer.

If you have been injured in a collision, you may want to seek legal help. Whether the accident was caused by distracted driving, speeding, DUI, or any other factors discussed above, a lawyer can help determine liability and pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

You need to focus on your recovery, not negotiating with an insurance company or other legal team. When you work with an experienced Bardstown car accident lawyer, they can help with the entire legal process. At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, our attorneys are well-versed in the common causes of car accidents in Bardstown and how these causes may affect your potential claim. We are always here to help you understand your rights and options. With our assistance, we can help you receive the compensation you need to recover. Contact our office today so we can fight for you.