What are the Most Common Causes of Car Collisions and How Do You Avoid Them?

Did you know that according to recent statistics, the most common cause of car collisions is speeding and “aggressive driving?” In fact, speeding, aggressive driving, and even distracted driving fatality statistics are above or even with estimated DUI fatalities. 

According to U.S. driving statistics, speeding accounted for 16.6% of fatal crashes, while DUI or other forms of impairment accounted for 15.1%. [1] 

Another report (TeenSafe) reported that over half of all car collisions in the U.S. were partly or directly caused by speeding and aggressive driving.

But that’s not the whole story. In this article, we’re going to consider why these statistics happen and what seems to be the reason behind over 50 million U.S. car crashes in a year. 

Of course, there are other factors involved - namely, what other problems on the road coincide with aggressive, distracted, or impaired driving. 

For example, bad weather can make aggressive driving and speeding even worse. Road rage and drug or alcohol-related impairment can also increase the chance of collisions. 

Texting and talking on the phone can increase the chance of an accident. In fact, many states have now made texting and or talking illegal, with primary or secondary enforcement.

There are also other contributing factors including drivers ignoring traffic signs, being ignorant of traffic laws (such as proper turning or how to handle road hazards), and of course, plain old fatigue - especially among truck drivers.

As scary as it might feel driving on the freeway, the answer is not avoiding all traffic entirely. If you can’t afford a self-driving Tesla, there are still some precautions you can take. 

First, don’t drive while impaired, or tired, or fatigued. Never drive while texting or even talking on the phone. Despite the action being illegal in most states, an estimated 850,000 drivers still do it. 

Some drivers do use their GPS systems or cell phones, which can be a convenience AND a distraction, especially if you have to reprogram the device while driving. This is why it’s better to have a second passenger to manage the GPS system, or at least to have a window-stationed GPS system that listens to your voice. 

You can also avoid collisions by rehashing some defensive driving lessons, as we’ve covered in previous articles.

Avoid getting too close to cars in front of you. You may have heard of the three seconds apart rule, which says you need at least three seconds to slow down. But this is not just a matter of 2-3 car lengths in between.

You have to figure one car length equals about ten miles an hour of changing in your driving speed. 

So if you’re driving at a 55 mph speed limit, you actually need about six car lengths in between you and the driver in front of you. You need EXTRA time to slam on your brakes in the event of an emergency, not to mention a gradual slowing down if the driver starts to slow down. 

Try to avoid driving directly next to a car, that you might accidentally side-swipe, OR letting a driver get too close behind you. Move into a slower lane, if you must, if it will stop someone from following too closely behind you. 

When passing lights or yielding signs, do not just zoom out even if you have the right of way. Assume someone is going to be distracted and may jet out in front of you. If you wait a few seconds, you may see them coming and can slam on your brakes. 

In some cases, if you are in a wreck and it was the other driver’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation. But it’s important to understand the laws regarding a motor vehicle accident so you can know how to talk to insurance agents, lawyers, and other motorists who may try to change your mind. 

In short, driving slower, taking fewer risks, and driving conservatively is the best way to avoid accidents. Even if you’re following the traffic laws, and staying alert, you can’t assume everyone is going to do the same thing. 

Driving defensively will help protect lives, prevent collisions, and keep the road safer in general. Pay attention to what’s in front, beside, and behind you at all times…you know, as if your life depended on it!

The Ultimate List of Driving Statistics for 2022.