We hope you never get into an automobile accident. One way to help prevent auto accidents is to know the common causes of them. This not only arms you with the knowledge you need to change your own driving habits but also allows you to be more defensive behind the wheel; you know what to look out for. Eddie’s Body Shop repairs collision damage after these top five auto accident causes.
1. Distractions
Distracted driving has surpassed drunk driving as the most common cause of automobile accidents in the United States. More people get into car crashes because they are distracted than because they are drunk. No matter how many laws are put in place, people still text while driving. Distracted driving accidents are also caused by talking, eating, grooming, and reading (yep) behind the wheel.
2. Drinking
This doesn’t mean there’s been a huge reduction in drunk driving incidents because, unfortunately, there hasn’t been. Alcohol remains the deadliest cause of automobile accidents in the United States. The blood-alcohol content level in Tennessee is .08 percent, and depending on how much you weigh, it only takes one or two beers or glasses of wine to reach that level in your bloodstream.
3. Speeding
Speeding is also a common cause of auto accidents because pushing the speed limit does not give you time to react. There’s a reason why speed limits are put into place. They are designed to keep you safe, and they do this in several ways. One way is to match the driving speed with a driver’s ability to react safely to the road conditions. Speeding above a road’s limit makes it easier to lose control.
4. Recklessness
Speeding is driving recklessly, as is changing lanes aggressively or behaving in an aggressive manner in other ways. If you’re running late, it’s nobody’s fault but your own. Driving like a maniac by going too fast, weaving in and out of traffic, and tailgating is going get you into a horrible auto accident for which you’ll be faulted. Leave the racecar-style and reckless driving at home on your racing video games.
5. Weather
Finally, weather, especially rain, can make the roads like slip-and-slide mats and turn your morning or evening commute into a nightmare. The first rains of the season are the most dangerous because they mix with the oil on the road and slicken the surface. Heavy rain or snow can also limit your driving visibility, so it’s important to avoid driving in these conditions unless you absolutely must.
Eddie’s Body Shop in Harriman, TN, is a collision center that can repair the damage to your vehicle if you get into an auto accident. We work with insurance carriers so give us a call today.
