7 common causes of motor vehicle accidents

Any time you get behind the wheel and take to the road, you realize that you could be part of a motor vehicle accident.

With this in mind, you should always do your part in avoiding trouble. You never know what another driver will do, but you always have 100 percent control over the decisions you make.

Here are seven of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents:

• Distracted driving. This is a top cause of motor vehicle accidents throughout the United States, due in large part to access to advanced technology. However, there are other distractions, such as talking with passengers, which can also lead to an accident.
• Drunk driving. There is never a good time to drink and drive, as it only takes one drink to lead to an impairment that increases the likelihood of a crash.
• Drowsy driving. Some people never take this into consideration, assuming they’ll always remain alert enough to drive. Unfortunately, this can set in without much notice.
• Speeding. Some people drive fast all the time, while others only do so when they are in a hurry. Either way, it increases the chance of an accident.
• Inclement weather. From rain to fog to wind, any sort of bad weather can make it more difficult to navigate the road in a safe manner.
• Reckless driving. There are many forms of reckless driving, ranging from failure to yield to running a stop sign.
• Traffic. Heavy traffic can make it a challenge to avoid trouble on the road. During rush hour, for instance, it’s important for all drivers to pay close attention to what’s going on around them.

These are not the only causes of motor vehicle accidents, but you should keep them in mind when you get behind the wheel.

If you are part of a crash, regardless of the cause, turn your immediate focus to your health and well-being. From there, you’ll feel better about your ability to learn more about your legal rights and the next steps to take.