Common Causes of Car Accidents

There are many causes of car accidents, but this article will focus on 5 common causes:

According to the 2005 Director of Traffic and Safety at the American Automobile Association, Mark Edwards; research showed that between 25-50% of all car crashes in the country, at the time, had driver distraction as the root cause. Further research also shows that 16% of distraction related crashes were accounted for by texting and rubbernecking. 

Alaska state law fines distracted drivers; and texting while driving can attract a fine of up to $10,000.

Drowsy drivers account for some 100,000 accidents annually in the U. S according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. The risk is even greater between 11pm and 8am, which is the time when most people sleep. However, others are drowsy between noon and 2pm. Common symptoms of fatigue are:

It is said that there is one drunk driving related death every half hour. In 2004, 16,654 people were killed in alcohol related car crashes. To prevent this from happening to you have a strict no drinking and driving policy. 

Many drivers fail to follow the set speed limit for specific roads. The idea of speed limits is not to impede a driver’s ability to arrive to his/her destination in ample time, but speed limits are set with various factors in mind for example:

Thus it is only responsible to follow the set speed limit for an area.

Heavy rain, hail, snowstorms, ice, high winds and fog can makie driving very difficult. When there is bad weather it is important that drivers leave enough room for stopping. This can be achieved by leaving extra room between yourself and the car in front of you and by slowing down. If the weather is extremely bad, stop at a rest stop until the conditions improve.

In 2013, Alaska’s John Dalton Highway was ranked number 6 as one of America’s most dangerous roads. The dangers of this road are attributed to the twists and bends found on the highway as a result of the steep mountain the road runs on. It is said that twice a day a helicopter patrols the road looking for accidents or breakdowns. 

If you were involved in a car crash in Alaska, you are probably looking for Anchorage law firms that deal with personal injury; find a law firm with relevant experience. 

If you are looking for personal injury lawyers in Anchorage, the author recommends the Crowson Law Group.