The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 2009 alone there were nearly 11 million car crashes throughout the nation. That figure represents the highest total recorded, and there is little doubt among Las Vegas car wreck attorneys that as the population grows, so will the number of accidents.
Despite advancing technology and a strong push toward bolstering vehicle safety, accidents of this nature have not disappeared. There are numerous reasons why car crashes occur, but it is wise for everyone who shares the roadways to have a good grasp of the most common factors that result in vehicle accidents in order to help stop them from happening.
Broadly speaking, there are two primary categories of car accidents. Driver error represents one of these categories, and the second category is a catch-all for the rest. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as numerous state governments report that driver error, however, is the largest source of car accident events in the country.
How Does Driver Error Occur?
Driver error is a large category that encompasses a wide range of behavior that ultimately produces a crash. Most frequently, errors of this sort are caused by distracted driving. Cellphone use is the most common factor leading to driving while distracted. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that roughly a quarter of all car crashes stem in some way from phone usage, either because of talking or using the device to text.
What is the reason for this? Well, a great deal of driver decision-making behind the wheel stems from the notion of multitasking. Try as we might, humans are physiologically unable to tackle critical tasks simultaneously, as a recent study by the National Safety Council suggests. Instead, the brain begins to “micro-task.” This means that the brain really only does one thing at a time, but will switch between tasks rapidly, going back and forth all the while.
Given that the brain is unable to fully process the material coming its way, the brain will choose to handle just a portion of the data it receives. The end result is that we convince ourselves that we are doing multiple things well, but the truth is that we are doing none of them properly.
This leads to the question of how this phenomenon impacts our driving. The ability of a motorist to steer clear of hazards requires them to recognize danger and take the necessary steps to avoid encountering it. A correct response can be the difference between operating a vehicle safely and producing a crash. There is often little room for error, and things can transpire within mere seconds. Drivers who are busy texting or engaging in another kind of distracting behavior will have far less ability to notice dangers quickly enough to respond in a safe and appropriate manner.
Some of the other decisions made by drivers that contribute to crashes can work in much the same way as distractions and can be just as dangerous. NHTSA has reported that alcohol plays a role in roughly four out of every 10 car crash deaths. Deciding to drink alcohol before driving will almost certainly lower a driver’s reaction time, impair their vision, and reduce the ability to make smart choices on the road.
Another common factor when it comes to driver error has to do with excessive speed. Younger motorists are particularly susceptible to this error. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that teenage drivers are far more likely to speed than their adult counterparts, with teenage males more disposed to speeding than their female cohorts. Those who speed the most are often those with the least experience behind the wheel, and therefore they have insufficient skills with which to quickly respond to a road hazard. Failing to appreciate changing weather or road conditions can often compound the problems presented by excessive speed.
Additional Causes Of Car Crashes
Car accidents can also be caused by things not related to the driver. Road conditions can have a significant impact on the chances that a crash will occur. Poor road maintenance can make it hard for drivers to navigate unexpected road hazards or keep their cars on the roadway itself.
This is also the case with weather conditions. Rain, snow, sleet, and drizzle can produce slick roads, and visibility can be negatively affected by fog, showers and the like.
It is also important to remember that the car’s condition itself can lead to accidents, particularly in cases where a vehicle is improperly maintained. Faulty tires or brakes can impede stopping ability when hazards or unexpected conditions arise. Steering trouble can also be extremely dangerous, and it is something that routine attention to maintenance can help prevent.
Get In Touch With Our Seasoned Las Vegas Car Wreck Attorneys
If you have had the misfortune of being involved in a serious car accident, you almost certainly need assistance when it comes to pursuing the compensation you deserve. Now is the time to get in touch with one of our Las Vegas car wreck attorneys. An attorney can engage in negotiations with insurance carriers, gather evidence, and ensure that your claim receives the full attention it deserves.
Contact us today to learn more about our process and how we can help. Our team of professionals stands ready to explain the personal injury claim process and to conduct a thorough review of the facts in your case. We can also help provide an estimate of the type of monetary damages for which you may be eligible. Because time is of the essence when it comes to seeking fair payment for your injuries, we invite you to contact us today.