Even if you are a careful driver, car accidents can happen due to a number of factors. Furthermore, they can occur anywhere and at any time. When we drive on highways or expressways, the speeds at which we travel are higher, and this can result in even more severe consequences during a collision.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 37,000 people are killed in traffic accidents each year in the United States, and these same accidents result in about 2.7 million people being injured.
Common Causes of Car Accidents on Highways
We will see the most common causes that cause this type of accident on the highways below.
1. Distracted driving. One of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents is distracted driving. The brain cannot perform two tasks at the same time and pay one hundred percent attention to both. When you’re driving and texting, talking on the phone, eating, playing with car controls, or even talking to other passengers, you take your full attention off the road, increasing your chance of being involved in an accident.
2. Driving under the influence of alcohol. We all know that the combination of alcohol and driving is not a good idea. By drinking alcohol, your reflexes, and your ability to react are diminished, and if you find yourself driving at higher speeds, you will hardly be able to react in time. Take care of your safety, your family’s, and that of other drivers, avoiding drinking alcoholic beverages before getting behind the wheel.
3. Speeding. Another major cause of car accidents. No matter how rushed you are, how important it is to be on time for work, a meeting, or a commitment, remember that it is better to be late than never. Speed limits exist for a reason, and are set based on road conditions, highway curves and layout, and the different types of terrain and gradients you may encounter, among other things. Respect speed limits and take care of your safety.
4. Reckless driving. Driving recklessly changing lanes left and right, not keeping your distance from other cars, and not respecting traffic signs, is to completely ignore the welfare and safety of others.
Drive carefully on highways and expressways, and if you are still involved in an accident, contact us immediately. We can help you!
