Common Causes of Car Accidents
At Logel’s Auto Parts, we believe in providing car owners with tips and advice to help keep them safe on the road all year long. Car accidents, whether major or minor, are not uncommon, but many drivers don’t realize that they’re often avoidable.
Most car accidents are caused, in some way or another, by human error.
Distracted Driving
In the last few years, distracted driving has become the most common cause of car accidents. With technological advances in cell phones and tablets, as well as more hectic schedules, it’s not surprising. Even though stricter laws have been passed in Ontario to combat distracted driving, it remains one of the leading causes of car accidents. Next time you hit the road, make sure you’re not texting, making phone calls or snacking while behind the wheel.
Drunk Driving
Unfortunately, drunk driving is still one of the most common reasons for car accidents. It can also be one of the most catastrophic, and is one of the leading causes of car accident deaths. It’s very important to have a designated driver, or take a taxi, if you’re out and consuming alcohol.
Speeding & Reckless Driving
Speed limits are posted for a reason. If you’re running late, it’s really not worth pushing the speed limit to get to your destination on time. Speeding is actually the second-leading cause of car accidents because it limits your ability to react to other drivers in time. Other aspects of reckless driving, including changing lanes quickly and aggressive driving can lead to serious accidents.
Rain
It’s nearly impossible to avoid driving in the rain, but using caution while it’s raining or when the roads are wet is essential for avoiding an accident. While many drivers know the dangers of driving in the snow, driving in the rain can be just as dangerous. When visibility is low and the roads are especially slick, try to avoid driving, or pull over and wait until the storm passes.
Teenage Drivers
Most teenagers will eventually learn to drive, but it’s important to make sure your children are educated and well-trained before heading out on the road by themselves. They should know not to use their cellphones when driving, and they should limit the number of passengers they have in their car. Make a defensive driving course a requirement before they start driving your car by themselves.
Every time you head out on the road, safety should be your number one priority. If you have children, seniors or pets in the car, make sure you’re informed about these safety tips from Logel’s Auto Parts in Kitchener.
