The main causes of car accidents

Despite the many road safety campaigns there still seem to be people who ignore the basic rules when it comes to driving on our roads. Below are the main causes of car accidents.

Driving too fast for the type of road or the weather conditions

Your chances of having a car accident are increased significantly by ignoring the designated speed limits. The faster you go, the less time you have to react to unexpected traffic hazards. Remember these limits are set based on the weather conditions being clear, fine and dry.

The type of weather should always dictate your driving style, and even though modern cars are now fitted with many useful safety features like ABS, you must still not rely on them to get you out of difficult situations, particularly in bad weather. Remember that the higher your speed the more severe the injuries will be at the moment of impact. Drivers that fail to slow down in wet, icy or foggy weather conditions greatly reduce their chances of avoiding potential hazards safely.

Tiredness

Tiredness and fatigue will impair your ability to react to situations and your concentration, and is a major cause of car accidents on the road. Symptoms of driver fatigue include heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, drifting into the wrong lane, changing the cars speed for no reason, misjudging traffic situations, being fidgety or irritable and daydreaming.

If you have to drive any distance in your car always remember to get a good nights’ sleep, and if possible share the driving with someone else to give you a chance to rest.

If do have to make a long journey on your own, make sure that you take a break every couple of hours to get some rest.

Should you find yourself feeling tired, open a window for some fresh air and either pull over at a suitable place and have a nap, or have some strong coffee.

Avoid being distracted

Do not use your mobile phone whilst driving, even using a hands free system has been proved to cause significant distraction. Whether it is putting on makeup, changing a CD, or fiddling with your sat nav - the momentary loss of concentration could put you or someone else in serious danger.

Alcohol and drugs

The only way to avoid these types of car accident, is not to do it, there is no such thing as a 'safe' level of drink or drugs when driving a vehicle on a public road. Designate someone to drive who is not going to drink before going for a night out, or just take a taxi. Don't take the risk.

Driving aggressively

This is where someone drives in a selfish and inconsiderate manner because they are invariably late for something - it's better to be a little late than end up in hospital. Aggressive drivers are a danger to everyone on the road because they drive too fast, take unnecessary risks and show no consideration for other road users.

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