Weather
One of the factors out of the driver's control which can contribute to an accident is the weather. Inclement weather conditions, including rain, high winds, snow, or ice often take inexperienced or overconfident drivers by surprise and lead to avoidable situations.
In heavy rain, one of the most common causes of accidents is hydroplaning, which is caused when a layer of water separates the tires of your car from the road and doesn't allow the car to "grip" the road for traction. Essentially, the car is skimming or "skipping" across the surface of the water, which really means the driver has no control over the car's direction. Long duration of rainfall and improper water drainage from the road can contribute to this hazard, and a driver's best precaution is to slow down when the roads are in this state.
In cold climates, snow and ice are huge weather concerns for drivers, contributing to thousands of accidents each year. In snow or ice, the traction between the wheels and the road are negatively affected so that it will take longer to bring the car to a stop and get it moving again. Layers of snow can often hide ice from driver's sight, and even if there is no snow a phenomenon known as "black ice" is always a concern in cold weather. "Black ice" is when water freezes on the road in a thin layer and is difficult or impossible to see. If a car drives over this ice and loses contact with the road it can go sliding out of control.
Snow also hides other debris on the road, creates visibility issues, and can muffle sounds a driver might normally be able to hear. During or immediately after a snowstorm government agencies will begin the process of clearing the roads and ensuring safety for drivers, but it is time consuming, and drivers should remember to be patient, drive slowly, and keep their safety as top priority.
Distractions
A "distraction" is defined as "a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention from the driving task to focus on some other activity instead." There are 3 general categories, and in 2009 distractions were the cause of 1 out of 5 car accidents with injuries, and 1 out of 6 fatal accidents.
- Visual distractions are things which cause a driver to take their eyes off the road.
- Manual distractions are things which cause a driver to take their hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive distractions are things which cause the driver to take their mind off what they're doing.
Examples of distractions include everything from daydreaming, fatigue, physical or emotional upset, passenger conversation, grooming, reading or looking at a map or GPS, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on a cell phone. Several of these fit more than one of these categories, and they can all build and compound each other. Research has found that drivers using hand-held devices are 4 times more likely to be in an accident where someone is injured, and that using a cell-phone while driving delays a person's reaction time so much it's the same as driving with .08 blood alcohol level. Cell phones are the largest distraction for drivers in the age group 30-39, contributing to 24% of fatal crashes in 2009. Currently, 19 states have laws banning or limiting the use of cell phones while driving. See what the laws in your state are here: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving "Under the Influence," or DUI, is the largest universal contributing factor to car accidents in the US across age groups. Also known in some states as Driving While Impaired (DWI) most states include both prescription and non-prescription drugs as types of "impairment" as well as alcohol. In 2008, 22% of all fatal crashes involved alcohol and an alcohol-related car accident occurred somewhere every 31 minutes on average. Many states are attempting to crack down on this, instituting "Zero Tolerance" polices and stricter punishments for people that drink and drive. See what the laws and penalties are in your state here: Governor's Highway Safety Association. The absolute best way to avoid being in an alcohol-influenced accident is to never drink and drive.
Knowledge and safety go hand-in-hand with driving. Accidents are frightening, costly, and frustrating whether or not there is someone injured. If an injury occurs complications can quickly arise between car insurance and health insurance claims, and the worst case scenario of a fatality can be completely overwhelming. If you or someone you know have been involved in a car accident, you may want to speak with a lawyer about your rights and for assistance with navigating the claims process.