Despite advancements in motor vehicle technology, such as adaptive headlights and forward-collision systems, road accidents still happen. Whether severe or minor, road accidents can change an individual's life, including pain, loss of income, or permanent disability.
The USA hosts many deadly stretches, such as the Interstate 4 intersecting between Daytona and Tampa beach, and many others. The fact that accidents are common on highways does not mean that the causes should be ignored. Let's look at the common causes of these accidents.
Night driving
Driving at night significantly increases the chances of accidents because it may be hard to see the oncoming traffic from the side. The ability of a driver to judge and perceive distance is impaired. The combination of darkness, road lights, and headlights can affect the drivers' vision and the ability to make decisions when driving.
Maybe you have been involved in a car accident on a highway and wondering how to go about filing an insurance claim. Your insurer may have denied you the claim citing reasons such as insufficient proof of the accident, insurance fraud, and so on. This is where the insurance lawyers come in.
USAttorneys.com will help you find an experienced insurance lawyer to help you receive the insurance benefits after the accident. You can use the company's site to select an ideal representative by clicking on the map of your state. After choosing a lawyer, you are free to retain them for your subsequent dealings.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving is one of the most common causes of road accidents on major highways in the USA. It is characterized by cutting fellow drivers off, tailgating, and weaving in traffic. Other reckless behavior includes sudden braking, changing lanes without signaling, and making illegal turns.
Accidents caused by recklessness result from negligence and can be fatal. For instance, one of the deadliest cities along 1-4 highway between 2016 and 2019 was Orlando, Florida, which reported 11 fatalities during that time. Florida’s Interstate 4 has also been ranked the most fatal highway that averages at least one fatality for every mile.
Drunk driving
A drunk driver becomes a threat not only to themselves but also to other road users. When a person drinks, their cognitive functions and senses are dulled, affecting their ability to make a proper judgment. Alcohol reduces brain function and impairs muscle coordination and reasoning.
Drunk driving is fatal, although it is common in the United States, with many fatalities happening along major highways. For instance, 42% of the accidents that occurred along California's State Route 91 between 2015 and 2019 were attributed to alcohol.
Bad weather
Hail, ice, snow, heavy rain, fog, and winds can make driving difficult. The inability to see beyond your hood’s car due to poor weather may cause you to suffer impaired driving ability. Being alarmed for safety can slow down the reaction time and the ability to think clearly in case of any emergencies.
Mississippi, Alaska, Alabama, Maine, Oregon, South Carolina, North Carolina, and West Virginia are considered some of the worst states for driving when it is raining. Driving is not always risky, but bad weather can convert an enjoyable trip into a nightmare.
Distracted driving
A distracted driver does not have proper attention on the road. Such a driver may pay more attention to passengers, adjusting the radio, mobile device, or even their favorite snack. Your goal should be to get to the desired destination safely.
According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives in 2019 alone. Texting, including messaging, is regarded as the most dangerous distraction causing accidents on many US state highways.