Alpern Schubert
Call     412-506-9561 For A Free Case Evaluation
Alpern Schubert
Call     412-506-9561 For A Free Case Evaluation
Alpern Schubert
  412-506-9561
As Helpful As It Gets. As Honest As It Gets.
As Helpful As It Gets.
As Honest As It Gets.
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    4.  | What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents?

Common Causes Of Car Accidents

Accidents are always unexpected. However, there are certain common causes that drivers may consider to protect themselves from potential crashes in Pennsylvania.

Speeding: Speeding is a factor in approximately one-fourth of all car accidents in the United States. Drivers can help reduce the risk of car accidents by slowing down. Drivers often do not realize how fast they are going. If drivers give themselves more time to arrive at their destination, they are less likely to be involved in accidents.

Approximately 25% of pedestrian fatalities occur on rural roads. People living in rural areas may believe they can walk or bike safely on or near the road because the area is not congested. Drivers on these roads must slow down and look out for anyone who might be on the road or riding the shoulder. Additionally, rural roads are often viewed as safe places for children to ride their bikes or walk. Because children are so small, drivers must slow down, even more, to ensure that they can see them.

Drinking and driving: Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are serious and can lead to a suspended or revoked license and even jail time. Some drivers believe they can get home safely because they are traveling only a few miles.

Although these drivers may have driven while impaired in the past without causing an accident, it only takes one mistake to cause a crash and potentially kill someone. In some of the worst cases, the driver will fall asleep behind the wheel. Using a designated driver is wise. Alternately, someone who has been drinking can call a taxi or use a ridesharing service to get home.

Distracted driving: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving kills nine people every day in the United States. Employing a hands-free system is a safer way to use a cellphone while driving. The driver can take calls, use speech-to-text features for emails or text messages, and listen to navigation instructions without touching the phone.

Distracted drivers might also be rubbernecking on the road, where drivers are looking at an accident scene, someone pulled over or other situation on the road that distracts them from driving. Other distracting driving habits include fiddling with the radio, personal grooming, attending to children and engaging in conversations with passengers.

Reckless behavior: Reckless drivers are responsible for 33% of all fatal accidents. Certain drivers will cut across several lanes on the highway, cut off other drivers to change lanes, take major risks just to get off the highway, or make a turn they might have missed.

Reckless behavior is completely within the control of the driver. Anyone upset or rushing to get somewhere must slow down and remain calm. In some situations, a passenger can take the wheel. Victims can contact a car accident lawyer when any of these accidents occur. Injured drivers or passengers can provide evidence showing that another driver was intoxicated, distracted, reckless or possibly speeding.

If You Were Injured In A Car Accident, Contact AlpernSchubert, P.C.

Contact us to review your accident in detail in a free initial case evaluation. We will also discuss your rights and how we can assist you to protect your best interests. Call our Pittsburgh office at 412-765-1880 or fill out our online intake form. We serve clients throughout western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, Lawrence County and Washington County.