LA Century Law discusses six of the most common causes of car accidents in California.
Why Car Accidents Are a Growing Concern in California
According to California Highway Patrol, 203,888 people were hurt in traffic crashes in California in 2020. The CDC notes that California ranks eighth, by population, among U.S. states for car accident fatality rate.
Traffic crashes cause significant personal loss and suffering. They also cause billions in economic damage ($340 billion in economic damage in the United States in 2019).
With accidents causing so much personal and financial damage, they are a growing concern in California. Understanding the most common causes of California car accidents can help drivers stay safe.
1. Distracted Driving: The #1 Cause of Accidents
A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that 80% of crashes involve driver inattention in the three seconds before the crash.
In 2021, 9,733 people were injured in distracted driving accidents in California. Just over seventy-four percent of Californians say that distracted driving is their top concern on the road.
Distracted driving is operating a motor vehicle when attention that should be paid to the task of driving is diverted elsewhere. Distracted driving can be manual—reaching for an item on the floor of the vehicle, for example. It can be mental—letting your mind wander or talking on the phone while driving.
When a driver is distracted, they may not notice a dangerous condition until it’s too late. They may not perceive and process hazards on the road the same way that an alert person would. With most accidents involving some measure of driver inattention, distracted driving is a common cause of car accidents in California.
2. How Excessive Speed Leads to Catastrophic Crashes
In the United States, speed is a factor in one-third of traffic crashes. Speed limits are designed for the safe movement of vehicles. In addition, drivers must adjust their speed to account for dangerous conditions.
Speeding reduces reaction time. The driver is less able to modify their maneuvers if danger or an obstruction arises. In addition, speed makes a driver more likely to lose control of their vehicle or overcorrect. When a crash occurs, it may be more severe than it might have been at lower speeds.
3. Driving Under the Influence
Thirty-two percent of traffic fatalities in California are related to alcohol. Driving under the influence of alcohol includes driving over the legal limit and driving while impaired by the consumption of alcohol.
A person under the influence of alcohol may have slowed reaction time and poor coordination.
They may also have impaired judgment and lack concentration.
Drunk driving deaths are preventable. Not only is drunk driving against the law, but it’s also a common cause of car accidents in California.
4. Reckless Driving and Aggressive Behavior Behind the Wheel
Reckless driving is cited as a factor for 3.7% of operators involved in fatal crashes. An additional 8.9% of drivers in fatal crashes are identified as having driven carelessly leading up to the crash.
Reckless driving is operating with a disregard for safety. It may include cutting someone off on purpose, cutting across lanes of traffic, tailgating, street racing, or purposefully violating traffic laws.
In California, reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense. Plus, if a person causes an accident by driving aggressively, they are liable to victims to pay compensation.
5. Poor Road Conditions and Weather-Related Hazards
The U.S. Department of Transportation says that weather conditions contribute to 21% of accidents.
One study found that poor road conditions contribute to 20% of heavy truck accidents.
Road conditions can be a problem because of the design and maintenance of the road. A road may be deteriorated, there may be signs obstructing traffic, or the curve of the road may be unworkable. There can be a problem because of debris or water on the road.
Striking an object can cause a vehicle to lose control or become inoperable. Dangers may arise quickly and unexpectedly.
6. When Mechanical Failures Cause Accidents
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report says that mechanical failures may be an issue in 10.5% of traffic crashes. Researchers include steering, suspension, transmission, and engine failure in mechanical failures.
Mechanical failure may be the result of a lack of routine maintenance. It may occur because of failure to address warning signs of a problem with the vehicle. A driver may ignore indicator lights. In addition, poor maintenance performed on a vehicle may result in an accident.
How To Reduce Your Risk of Being in an Accident
To reduce your risk of being in an accident, drive defensively. Leave enough time to make the journey so that you don’t feel rushed. Leave extra distance if a vehicle is behaving erratically.
Inspect your vehicle regularly. Change the oil and check the wiper fluid. Don’t hang any obstructions from the rearview mirror.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you drive after taking medication, make sure you know how the medication will affect you.
Don’t drive distracted. That includes texting while driving and other things that may distract you inside and outside the vehicle.
What To Do If You’ve Been in a Car Accident in California
If you’ve been in a car accident in California, call 911 if there is the possibility that anyone is injured. If there is injury or vehicle damage above $1,000, report the accident to law enforcement. If there is a question of whether the accident needs to be reported, make the report. If you are hurt, seek immediate medical attention. In the stress of an accident, symptoms may not appear right away. Prioritize your medical care.
If you can, get information from those involved. Ask other drivers for their license, vehicle, and insurance information. Take photos of the accident scene.
Get a copy of the police report. If you have injuries, involve a lawyer early in the process.
Contact an Experienced San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer
At LA Century Law, we represent people who have been hurt in car accidents. We serve people who are hurt because of common causes of car accidents in California. Our team can also assist you if your car accident involves unusual circumstances.
Work with the team with a 99% success rate. Call or message us now.