25 Reasons For Car Accidents

By Rajkamal

Road accidents are on the rise. Authorities are doing everything they can to keep accidents under control and avoid it.

So is it left up to the authorities alone to prevent such mishaps? Is there nothing we can do to avoid them? The answer is, it all starts with us. Lawmakers and enforcers are present to ensure we stick to the rules.

Here are 25 reasons accidents happen and as responsible drivers, only keeping these 25 reasons in mind can save somebody's life, if not your own in the first place.

1. Drunk driving:

1. Drunk driving:

Alcohol is a killer when mixed with driving. Avoid it. Split second decision is what matters between life and death and alcohol slows down that important reflex action needed to avoid an accident.

2. Drugs:

2. Drugs:

Drugs are another major cause for accidents too. Many feel that driving after consuming drugs is cool, but the truth is that the person has taken the best recipe to kill himself or endanger others on the road.

3. Mobile Phones:

3. Mobile Phones:

Texting or speaking on the mobile phone takes away the necessary concentration needed to drive. One second eyes taken off the road to check who's calling and who has texted you is enough to potentially end your own life. Concentrate on the road ahead while driving. Phone calls can wait. If it is so important, pull over and answer.

4. Over Speeding:

4. Over Speeding:

The faster your vehicle is moving, it takes more time to slow down or stop. Stick to the speed limit. Arriving a late is better than not arriving at all.

5. Reckless Driving:

5. Reckless Driving:

Driving like a bat out of hell will not just harm you, but other road users as well. Someone may be getting somewhere important and what you thought was fun to drive like, could kill somebody else.

6. Road Rage:

6. Road Rage:

Always keep a cool head while driving. Angry driving and abusing other drivers on the road will not only get you arrested, but a small step taken out of anger could harm somebody else.

7. Lack Of Experience:

7. Lack Of Experience:

A lot of driving skill is gained through experience behind the wheel. Never try out something like driving fast or stunts only because your friends encouraged you or you watched it on TV. Lack of experience to try and bring something under control is learnt over many years.

8. Driving In The Night:

8. Driving In The Night:

Driving in the dark needs more concentration than driving during the day. Visibility is less, so keep a sharp eye out and never opt to drive in the dark if you haven't had plenty of sleep before the journey.

9. Snow or Ice:

9. Snow or Ice:

Driving on snow or ice should be avoided as much as possible. Traction will be very less and slippery roads will make it very prone to accidents. Braking and turning needs a lot of caution.

10. Rain:

10. Rain:

Again, driving in the rain reduces traction and the visibility will be very poor as well. Try and avoid driving in the rain as much as possible. Keep your headlights on to warn other drivers, if driving in the rain is a must.

11. Fog:

11. Fog:

Driving in the fog is a dangerous thing for you as well as on coming traffic. Visibility can range anywhere from poor to nil. Pull over and wait for the fog to settle down.

12. Jumping Signals:

12. Jumping Signals:

Jumping signals will harm other road users too. Stop if the light is red. Everyone is trying to get to some place, so waiting for your turn to go keeps everyone out of harms way.

13. Driving The Wrong Way:

13. Driving The Wrong Way:

If a lane says ‘No Entry', do not enter. Driving on the opposite side of traffic, even for a few meters is more than enough to cause a severe accident since people are caught off guard and have no time to react or pull away.

14. Drowsiness:

14. Drowsiness:

Drowsiness causes so many accidents. Drivers fall asleep without their own knowledge and the vehicle becomes a loose cannon and needs to slam into something to stop. That something shouldn't be another motorist. Get plenty of sleep before driving and if you even think you are feeling drowsy, pull over, get a coffee or better off, get a couple of hours of shut eye.

15. Bad Roads:

15. Bad Roads:

Bad roads tend to take your concentration off oncoming vehicles and more on the road and the potholes. This is very dangerous since you will be left with no time to react if there is an oncoming vehicle. Even trying to drive fast over bad roads is dangerous since your vehicle will lose control and the risk of going off the road or crashing into a tree or another vehicle becomes higher.

16. Lack Of Maintenance:

16. Lack Of Maintenance:

If you do not maintain your vehicle, the risk of accidents will be higher. Running parts such as bearings and brakes need to changed at regular intervals so they are always in a good working condition. Service your vehicle in regular intervals as required by your vehicle manufacturer.

17. Road Racing:

17. Road Racing:

Racing should encouraged in an enclosed place under proper supervision and not on the roads. This act will get your licence suspended and could even get you arrested. The risk of death by road accident is very high.

18. Animals:

18. Animals:

Animals tend to cross the road. They have the right of way. So keep an eye out since hitting a deer or even a cow will damage the vehicle severely and harm the occupants. Keep a sharp look out when you see signs that say animal crossing and slow down.

19. Windy Twisty Roads:

19. Windy Twisty Roads:

One needs a lot of practice and experience on such roads. If you lack experience, slow down and let the vehicle behind you pass. Curvy roads post another threat—lack of visibility. You don't know what is around the corner so be extremely alert and cautious.

20. Road Work:

20. Road Work:

If there is a sign that says ‘Men At Work', just slow down and look for the cones. There might be people working in the middle of the road and trucks or cranes could be parked as well. Crashing in to any of this is very dangerous.

21. Tailgating:

21. Tailgating:

Maintain a minimum of 10 metres distance between you and the vehicle ahead. This will give you enough time to react when the vehicle ahead of you makes and unexpected move. Sticking to his bumper will harm the occupants in both the vehicles since there is no time to react.

22. Cutting Lanes:

22. Cutting Lanes:

Cutting lanes without warning is risking yourself and others on the road. Signal out and wait for the road to clear up before you make the move.

23. Junctions or Diversions:

23. Junctions or Diversions:

When you spot a junction, slow down. When you see a car at the junction, try letting the car turn first before you go. There is a high chance that the other car at the junction has not noticed you.

24. Distractions:

24. Distractions:

Distractions is a common reason for a road accident. Never get distracted by anything. Concentration and staying focused about what is ahead of you is key to being safe.

25. Tyres:

25. Tyres:

Check your tyres before starting a journey. A poor tyre could lead to a blowout at high speeds, which will leave your car uncontrollable, risking occupants, other vehicles and yourself. Make sure the tyre tread is good and deep enough. Maintain your tyre, like rotation, balancing and alignment done at regular intervals will keep your tyre in a good shape for longer.

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Article Published On: Monday, April 13, 2015, 12:59 [IST]
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