Types and Common Causes of Car Accidents

Automobile accidents are caused by a variety of reasons, from weather-impaired road conditions to negligence. Most accidents involve passenger vehicles and SUVs. The most commonly cited causes of accidents include:

• Driver Negligence or Distractions. Including rubbernecking and texting
• Fatigue. Especially between midnight and 8 a.m. and noon and 2 p.m.
• Driving Under the Influence. More than 11,700 people died in alcohol-related accidents in 2008, about 32 percent of all traffic deaths for the year.
• Speeding. More than a third of the annual motor vehicle deaths each year are caused by speeding.
• Aggressive Driving. In addition to speeding, aggressive driving includes tailgating, improper lane-change, driving on a shoulder, illegal passing, failure to yield and more.
• Defective Equipment
• Inclement Weather
• Texting while driving