Most Minnesota residents do their best to avoid car accidents, yet there are 6 million car accidents in the United States every year. According to the most recent Comprehensive Annual Traffic Crash Data Report, there were just under 75,000 traffic accidents in Minnesota in 2015. Those accidents involved 138,057 cars and 181,663 people. In order to prevent getting into a car crash, it could be helpful to find out exactly how car crashes happen in the first place.
What are some of the most common causes of car crashes?
There are many different reasons for car accidents. One of the most common causes of car accidents is drunk driving. Drunk driving results in some of the most dangerous collisions because people who drive drunk have no control of their mental faculties, effectively turning their cars into weapons.
Another common cause of motor vehicle accidents is speeding. Many people exceed legal speed limits because they’re in a rush, but speed limits are calculated and designed to keep people safe in different areas. Exceeding those limits could result in tragedy. Another common cause of car accidents is inclement weather. Rainy or snowy streets are difficult to navigate, causing cars to slip and slide. This causes collisions with other cars or with pedestrians.
Running a red light is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. Some people run red lights because they truly believe that there are no other cars in their way, but many accidents that come about as a result of running a red light happen because the driver did not see a car or person until it was too late.
Distracted driving causes many car crashes as well. Talking on a cellphone or taking eyes off the road is one of the main reasons that many people lose control of their cars.
Who can people turn to for help regarding car accidents?
Car accidents can be devastating, resulting in loss of life, injury or loss of income. People who are dealing with the aftermath of a car accident may benefit by working with attorneys who have experience with these types of cases.