Cause and Effect Traffic Accident
Traffic accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including equipment malfunction as well as the actions of the driver, such as speeding or aggressive behaviors like tailgating or unsafe lane changes. The consequences of traffic accidents depend on variables such as the impact, number of vehicles involved and if vehicle occupants were protected by safety belts and/or air bags.
Reasons for Traffic Accidents How to Prevent Traffic Accidents
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving involves any nondriving activity that causes drivers not to pay full attention to their driving, including manual, visual and cognitive activities. Drivers that take their hands off of the wheel to turn the radio station, send text messages, eat or groom themselves increase their risk of causing traffic accidents. Talking on cell phones or other passengers, looking at a map or using a navigational system are all distractions that cause traffic accidents as well. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, nearly all of the traffic accidents in 2008 were caused by a type of distraction, and younger drivers under the age of 20 have the highest rate of fatal crashes that were distraction-related.
Impaired Drivers and Driver Fatigue
Drivers under the influence of alcohol cause traffic accidents because their judgment is impaired and they are not able to quickly react in certain driving situations. Certain drugs and prescribed medications taken by drivers can also affect their ability to drive. Driver fatigue is another cause of traffic accidents occurring typically between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. when most drivers are used to being asleep. Driving while tired can result in drivers not paying attention to vehicle speed, allowing the vehicle to drift over road lines, daydreaming or dozing while driving.
Weather Conditions
Inclement weather is another factor causing traffic accidents. Heavy rain, snowstorms or hail can decrease the visibility of
Reasons for Traffic Accidents How to Prevent Traffic Accidents
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving involves any nondriving activity that causes drivers not to pay full attention to their driving, including manual, visual and cognitive activities. Drivers that take their hands off of the wheel to turn the radio station, send text messages, eat or groom themselves increase their risk of causing traffic accidents. Talking on cell phones or other passengers, looking at a map or using a navigational system are all distractions that cause traffic accidents as well. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, nearly all of the traffic accidents in 2008 were caused by a type of distraction, and younger drivers under the age of 20 have the highest rate of fatal crashes that were distraction-related.
Impaired Drivers and Driver Fatigue
Drivers under the influence of alcohol cause traffic accidents because their judgment is impaired and they are not able to quickly react in certain driving situations. Certain drugs and prescribed medications taken by drivers can also affect their ability to drive. Driver fatigue is another cause of traffic accidents occurring typically between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. when most drivers are used to being asleep. Driving while tired can result in drivers not paying attention to vehicle speed, allowing the vehicle to drift over road lines, daydreaming or dozing while driving.
Weather Conditions
Inclement weather is another factor causing traffic accidents. Heavy rain, snowstorms or hail can decrease the visibility of