Free Consultation

(502) 233-8385

McCoy & Hiestand: Home of the Lady Litigator

Why Are Car Accidents So Common?

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Why Are Car Accidents So Common?
Why are car accidents so common

Kentucky’s Collision Facts for 2022 reported more than 130,000 car accidents in the Bluegrass State.

Car accidents happen every hour or every day on roads and highways around the world. Despite modern advances in vehicle safety features and ever-stricter traffic laws, these crashes continue to be a growing public safety issue.

Understanding the factors that contribute to the high frequency of car accidents can help drivers, policymakers, and law enforcement address these problems effectively.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Kentucky and elsewhere in the nation. With so many of smartphones, navigation systems, and in-car entertainment options, drivers are more prone to losing focus on the road than ever before.

Texting, checking social media, eating, or even engaging in conversations with passengers can divert attention long enough to cause a collision.

According to research, being distracted for even a few seconds can significantly increase the risk of being in an accident.

Speeding

Speeding is another common contributor to car crashes. Speed limits are in place for a reason: to ensure safe driving conditions, but many drivers still choose to ignore them.

Driving too fast reduces the time you have to react to sudden changes while increasing the severity of an accident when it happens. Whether it’s due to running late or simply a habit of aggressive driving, speeding remains a dangerous and widespread behavior.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination.

Despite nationwide public awareness campaigns and stiff legal penalties, driving while intoxicated continues to cause a significant number of accidents, injuries, and deaths each year. Prescription medications with side effects like drowsiness or dizziness can cause impaired driving, too, further contributing to the problem.

Poor Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions, like rain, snow, or fog, can create hazardous driving environments.

Wet or icy roads reduce tire traction, increasing the likelihood of skidding or losing control of the vehicle.

Limited visibility during heavy rain or fog can make it hard to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs. While we can’t control the weather, we can mitigate our risks by adjusting how fast we drive and following safety guidelines during bad weather.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage, significantly increase the risk of vehicle accidents. Aggressive drivers often tend to ignore traffic laws and make impulsive driving decisions as well.

These actions can lead to preventable collisions and put other road users in danger. Addressing aggressive driving through education and enforcement can reduce its prevalence.

Poor Road Conditions

The condition of roads can also play a role in car accidents. Potholes, uneven surfaces, lack of signage, and poorly designed intersections increase the risk of collisions.

Inadequate maintenance and infrastructure in high-traffic areas exacerbate these issues.

Addressing road conditions through regular maintenance and thoughtful urban planning can help create safer driving environments.

Vehicle Malfunctions

Mechanical failures, like brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine issues, can also lead to accidents.

While modern vehicles typically come equipped with advanced safety features, they still require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning. By neglecting routine check-ups or driving older, poorly maintained vehicles, drivers increase the likelihood of mechanical and key component failures that can cause car accidents.

Heavy Traffic

High traffic volumes, especially during rush hours, contribute to the frequency of accidents.

Congested roads create a stressful environment for drivers, making some impatient and more prone to making risky maneuvers.

Rear-end collisions, fender benders, and sideswipes are common in heavy traffic conditions. Urban areas with dense populations are particularly prone to such incidents.

Human Error

At its core, human error is, by far, the biggest factor contributing to car accidents. Mistakes like failing to yield or signal, running red lights, or misjudging braking distances account for the majority of vehicle collisions.

While technology like lane-keeping assistance and automatic braking systems can reduce human error, as drivers, we still need to stay vigilant and attentive to help prevent accidents.

Taking Legal Action

Car accidents remain a pervasive issue due to a combination of factors, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and poor road conditions.

By staying focused, driving responsibly, and maintaining our vehicles, we can all contribute to safer roads for everyone.

If you or a loved one has been in a vehicle crash that wasn’t your fault, the experienced car accident attorneys at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, are here to help.

Free Consultation

Thank you for your interest! We are here to help

Fill out the form below to request a consultation