Most people in the United States travel to their destinations by car. Unfortunately, car accidents cause severe injuries, ranging from nerve damage to death. In the state of California alone, traffic accidents result in the death or injury of more than 280,000 people every year. While some accidents occur due to external factors, such as weather or road conditions, risky driver behavior plays a significant role in most car crashes.
Distracted driving continues to cause the most accidents
Staying focused remains the number one way to prevent getting into a vehicle accident. Yet, drivers continue to allow themselves to become distracted while driving. More people get into car accidents due to distracted driving than for any other reason.
Consider the following examples of distracted driving:
- Talking on the phone
- Using a GPS
- Texting
- Eating or drinking
- Conversing with kids
- Playing with pets
Speeding offers greater danger than most realize
Each time you increase your speed, you decrease your reaction time. Going even ten miles over the speed limit puts you at a greater risk of getting into a collision.
Reckless driving places drivers at risk for an accident
The state defines reckless driving as driving a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of people or property. Unlike other traffic violations, reckless driving citations result in criminal charges against you. The severity of the charge is due to the greater risk of harm that reckless driving poses to all the drivers on the road.
You can be charged with reckless driving when committing any of these acts:
- Ignoring road or traffic signs
- Passing illegally
- Engaging in a race
- Tailgating
- Drifting between lanes
Other drivers frequently cause the accident
Sometimes, you do everything right and still become a victim of another driver’s risky behavior. Always seek proper medical care and take photos of any property damage and injuries. You’ll need this evidence for insurance purposes and potential personal injury lawsuits.