Driving is a daily risk. We get behind the wheel, we operate a huge machine, we share the road with other motorists who may or may not be good at what they’re doing. There are many causes of Michigan auto accidents, but there are some that are consistently on top.
1. Distracted Driving
The threat of being involved in a distracted driving accident is growing. You pose a risk to yourself by paying more attention to your smartphone or other activities within the car than to the road itself. It’s far more likely that you will hit another motorist or pedestrian while distracted.
2. Drunk Driving
There is no shortage of drunk drivers on the road, day or night. Many people choose to get behind the wheel when intoxicated, and this often leads to fatal accidents. Stay sober and, if you drink, don’t drive. Don’t get in the car with someone who has been drinking. Make smart decisions about your safety.
3. Tailgating
If you’re impatient, trying to get somewhere, or are just tired of being behind the driver who is moving leisurely along, you may tailgate them. This aggressive move will only keep your blood pressure high, may not encourage the driver ahead to move any faster, and increases the likelihood of a rear-end car accident if they stop short and you smash right into them because you’re too close.
4. Reckless Driving
Passing in a no-passing zone or on a curve. Moving at a high rate of speed. Changing lanes too quickly. Running red lights. Ignoring traffic laws and warning signs. Antagonizing fellow drivers. Reckless driving puts you and fellow motorists in grave danger. Satisfy your need for risk-taking off the main roads, like participating in extreme sports.
5. Speeding
Moving fast to get somewhere when you’re late or breaking the speed limit just because you can? Speeding means you’re not able to stop as quickly should you need. Your reaction time will have to be swift if you want to avoid another vehicle, and most likely it won’t be swift enough. Speeding causes serious car accidents.
6. Bad Weather
Michigan is no stranger to precipitation, especially in the winter. If roads are wet or icy, use extreme caution. There is no stopping the power of nature, but you can drive more slowly, keep a safe distance behind other vehicles, and pull over when low visibility or extreme weather is preventing you from driving safely.
7. Poor Roads
Bad weather leads to bad roads, including potholes, which can be unavoidable but damage vehicles and cause accidents, especially for motorcyclists and distracted drivers.
8. Teen Drivers
Teens are notoriously bad drivers and they can be cocky. Many teens think they can handle anything and that nothing bad will ever happen to them. Teen drivers, however, simply don’t have experience, which makes them more likely to make a major error in judgment when quick action is needed, be too tempted by their smartphones, or get distracted by passengers.
Get Legal Support After Your Michigan Auto Accident
There are so many risks when you get behind the wheel. If we thought about them too much, we’d never drive. If you have been in a car accident, contact Thurswell Law to discuss your case and schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced and knowledgeable car accident attorneys. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today.
