How to Prevent the Most Common Causes of Automobile Collisions

You are never entirely safe when you’re on the road. Whether it’s a mistake on your part or other drivers breaking traffic rules, there are many ways you can get in a collision. Here is a list of the most common causes of St. Louis car accidents and what you can do to prevent them.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common causes of car collisions. Going over the speed limit is irresponsible because you are no longer practicing defensive driving. If, for example, you speed while in a town, you might not be able to see crossing pedestrians in time to break. Or, if you speed on the highway, you are no longer predictable to other drivers.

How to prevent it: Always drive within the speed limit.

Distracted Driving

Distractions can vary from a talkative passenger to a text you are reading while driving or even your favorite tune on the radio. Every person has a certain capacity to concentrate on driving, so it’s best to learn how to recognize signs of your mind drifting away. When you are distracted behind the wheel, you can miss important information from the road, which can lead to collisions.

How to prevent it: Keep the music volume down, never use your mobile device while driving, ask passengers to keep a calm environment and pull over if you need to look at the map or make a phone call.

Drowsy Driving

You might not realize the effects of driving when tired, but it has been compared by researchers to drunk driving. A lot of drivers choose to drive anyway, even when they are sleep deprived, thinking that coffee or energizing drinks will get them in top shape. Nothing can replace sleep, and being deprived of it will make you slow to react, which easily leads to collisions.

How to prevent it: Try getting a power nap of 10-20 minutes if you are feeling tired. Whenever possible, have someone else drive if you are running on little sleep.

Drunk Driving

One of the worst decisions you can make is to drive when under the influence of alcohol or other behavior-altering substances (including many meds!). Alcohol will dramatically decrease your reaction speed, affect your vision and mobility, and make you take bad decisions.

How to prevent it: Never drive under the influence. Take a taxi or have someone else drive you. If these are not valid options, rest until the alcohol is metabolized completely.

Bad Weather

A common cause of car collisions is bad weather: rain, snow, ice, black ice, even strong winds. They make driving difficult because of reduced visibility and slippery roads.

How to prevent it: Always drive slower during bad weather, increase the distance between you and other cars or cancel your traveling during bad weather conditions.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, then it’s time to act promptly. Speak with a St. Louis auto accident lawyer and let them take over the legal battle so you can focus on your recovery.