6 Types of Negligence of Car Drivers in the US

January 27, 2023January 27, 2023 Caroline travel

Car accidents are a major concern around the world and one of the leading causes of deaths and injuries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. While many accidents are caused by factors outside of a driver’s control, such as weather conditions or mechanical failures, a significant number of accidents are caused by driver negligence. The right thing to do following an accident is to take legal action against the negligent driver. To do that, you will need the help of quality lawyers. You need to consult reputed law firms, such as Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, immediately following an accident to protect your rights and get compensation.

In this article, we will explore six common reasons why car drivers act negligently on the road and the statistics behind them.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Drivers who are distracted by their phones, radios, or other electronic devices are more likely to make mistakes on the road and cause accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Additionally, the NHTSA also reports that in 2019, there were an estimated 424,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another leading cause of car accidents. Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly and make good decisions on the road, while drugs can cause drowsiness, confusion, and other problems. According to the NHTSA, in 2019, 10,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving drunk drivers. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 28 people in the United States die in alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes every day, which equates to one death every 51 minutes.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is another major cause of car accidents. Drivers who speed, tailgate, or make sudden lane changes are putting themselves and others at risk. According to the NHTSA, in 2019, 7,478 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving a reckless driver. Additionally, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that aggressive driving behavior, such as tailgating, is a factor in 56% of fatal crashes.

Fatigue

Drivers who are fatigued have slower reaction times, are less alert, and are more likely to make mistakes on the road. According to the NHTSA, in 2019, 724 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving a fatigued driver. Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation reports that drowsy driving is responsible for an estimated 100,000 motor vehicle accidents each year.

Lack of experience

New drivers may lack the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to navigate the road safely. According to the NHTSA, in 2019, 1,080 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving a teenage driver. Furthermore, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that the crash rate per mile driven by 16-17-year-olds is nearly three times the rate for drivers aged 18-19.

Road rage

Road rage is another major cause of car accidents. Drivers who become angry or aggressive on the road are more likely to make mistakes, put themselves and others at risk, and cause accidents. According to the NHTSA, in 2019, there were 1,331 fatal crashes involving road rage. Additionally, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that 37% of aggressive driving incidents involve a firearm.

Conclusion

Car accidents caused by driver negligence are a major concern around the world. Distracted driving, impaired driving, reckless driving, fatigue, lack of experience, and road rage are six common ways drivers act negligently on the road. The statistics behind these reasons highlight the significant impact of these issues on road safety and the importance of addressing them.