Car accidents happen on the highways, streets, and roads throughout Wilmington. Although the situations surrounding every accident are unique, some common and typical causes often account for many collisions in Wilmington. Some of the main causes of car accidents in Wilmington, NC, include the following:
1. Not Obeying Traffic Signs
Those who don’t obey traffic signs result in accidents in the state. Drivers who don’t object to those signs can be penalized and fined when caught.
They may as well be held liable through a car accident lawsuit in the civil court by the people or person they injured. Some of the ways drivers ignore traffic signs include:
- Blocking intersections
- Running red lights
- Unsafe overtaking
- Tailgating
2. Speeding
Speeding is risky for a couple of reasons. But the main reason is that it limits the capability of drivers to stop their cars in time to prevent an accident.
Although speeding is always dangerous, an accident is more likely to happen when the weather is unfavorable. For instance, slick roads can increase the time you will take as a driver to bring your car to a stop, increasing the risks of an accident.
3. Distracted Driving
Every activity that takes drivers’ eyes off the road, minds off the driving tasks, or hands off their steering wheel, may result in distracted driving. Things that distract drivers while driving include using a navigational device, dealing with a pet, talking on the phone, texting, daydreaming, conversing with passengers, grooming, and adjusting an electronic device or radio.
According to recent statistics, over 22% of car accidents in North Carolina involve distracted drivers. And since distraction requires drivers to admit they are at fault, accident statistics in the state might undercount distraction prevalence as the main factor in car accidents.
4. Driving While Intoxicated
On average, 30 people die every day from driving while drunk, according to CDC reports. Under North Carolina’s law, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is referred to as DWI.
The use of alcohol and drugs significantly minimizes the focus and reaction time of drivers. This results in a large number of car accidents, deaths, and injuries in Wilmington, NC. Drivers can avoid these accidents by calling an Uber/taxi, using public transportation, or asking a sober driver friend to drive them home.
5. Changing Lanes Unsafely
Erratic or sudden change of lanes can be dangerous. Other motorists won’t be able to predict or anticipate when other drivers make a move, making accidents caused by unsafe change of lanes potentially deadly and negligent.
6. Vehicle Defects
While driver errors are to blame for a car accident, manufacturers can sometimes be held responsible for a crash. When vehicle defects cause a fatal collision, the manufacturer or maker of that specific part will be held liable. Defective parts that may result in a car accident are:
- Steering wheels
- Accelerators
- Ignitions
- Brakes
Even if you are a top-notch driver, it doesn’t mean other drivers do the same while on the road. You might still get involved in a fatal car accident because of another person’s negligence. When that happens, be sure to enlist the services of a car accident attorney in Wilmington, NC, to guide you on what to do.
