Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020 there were 38,824 deaths from traffic crashes across the country, which represents the highest number since 2007. It is estimated that there were more than 7 million motor vehicle accidents, which caused more than 3 million injuries. Would you like to evaluate your case?
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What types of motor vehicle accidents are there and how are they classified?
Motor vehicle accidents can be classified in different ways, depending on the criteria used. Some of the most common classifications are:
According to the number of vehicles involved
A distinction can be made between single-vehicle accidents, when only one vehicle is involved in the crash, and multi-vehicle accidents, when two or more vehicles are involved in the crash. Multi-vehicle accidents can be subdivided into two-vehicle accidents, when only two vehicles are involved in the crash, and multiple-vehicle accidents, when three or more vehicles are involved in the crash.
According to the type of collision
A distinction can be made between head-on impact accidents, when vehicles collide head-on, side-impact accidents, when vehicles collide on the side, rear-impact accidents, when one vehicle collides from behind another vehicle, angular-impact accidents, when vehicles collide at an angle, and rollover accidents, when a vehicle flips over or leaves the roadway.
According to the type of vehicle
A distinction can be made between automobile accidents, when the vehicles involved are automobiles, motorcycle accidents, when the vehicles involved are motorcycles, truck accidents, when the vehicles involved are trucks, bus accidents, when the vehicles involved are buses, and accidents involving other vehicles, when the vehicles involved are bicycles, pedestrians, animals, etc.
What causes motor vehicle accidents and how can they be prevented?
Motor vehicle accidents can have various causes, which can be grouped into three categories: human causes, mechanical causes, and environmental causes. Some of the most frequent causes are:
Human causes
These are those that depend on the behavior or attitude of drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. Some of the most common human causes are:
Driving under the influence of alcohol, medications, and drugs
These substances alter the perception, reaction, and coordination ability of drivers, increasing the risk of making errors or violations. According to NHTSA, 28% of traffic accident deaths in 2020 involved a driver with a blood alcohol level equal to or greater than the legal limit.
Performing reckless maneuvers and driver omissions
These maneuvers include not respecting traffic signals, running red lights, changing lanes without signaling, passing on the right, driving in the opposite direction, etc. These maneuvers can cause collisions with other vehicles or fixed objects, or hit pedestrians or animals.
Driving at excessive speed
Excessive speed reduces the reaction time and space of drivers, makes it difficult to control the vehicle, and increases the severity of impacts. According to NHTSA, 26% of traffic accident deaths in 2020 were related to speeding.
Being sleepy or fatigued
Sleepiness or fatigue diminish the attention, concentration, and performance of drivers, and can cause them to fall asleep at the wheel or react late to a risky situation. According to NHTSA, 2.5% of traffic accident deaths in 2020 were related to sleepiness or fatigue.
Getting distracted while driving
Distraction can be caused by the use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, music players, GPS navigators, etc., or by any other activity that diverts attention from driving, such as eating, drinking, smoking, putting on makeup, talking, etc. Distraction can cause drivers to miss important information about their surroundings, commit violations, or fail to react in time to an unforeseen event.
Not using a seatbelt or appropriate child restraint systems
These devices are essential to protect life and reduce injuries to vehicle occupants in case of an accident. According to NHTSA, 47% of passenger vehicle occupants who died in traffic accidents in 2020 were not wearing a seatbelt.
Mechanical causes
These are those that depend on the condition or operation of the vehicles. Some of the most common mechanical causes are:
Brake failure
Brakes are essential for stopping or reducing the speed of vehicles, and if they fail, they can cause collisions or road departures. Brake failures can be due to wear, a leak, an obstruction, or poor installation of brake system components.
Tire failure
Tires are responsible for maintaining the contact and grip of vehicles on the pavement, and if they fail, they can cause skids, blowouts, or loss of control. Tire failures can be due to wear, low pressure, poor alignment, or a puncture.
Light failure
Lights are important for seeing and being seen on the road, especially in low-light or night conditions, and if they fail, they can cause collisions or hit-and-run accidents. Light failures can be due to malfunction, breakage, or poor adjustment.
Steering failure
The steering system is what allows drivers to direct and guide vehicles, and if it fails, it can cause deviations, road departures, or collisions. Steering failures can be due to wear, breakage, a leak, or poor alignment of steering system components.
Environmental causes
These are those that depend on environmental or weather conditions. Some of the most common environmental causes are:
Poor road conditions
Roads can have defects or irregularities that make driving difficult, such as potholes, cracks, uneven surfaces, obstacles, etc. These defects can cause vehicle damage,
Adverse weather conditions
Weather can affect the visibility, grip, and stability of vehicles, as well as the reaction ability of drivers. Some of the most common adverse weather conditions are rain, snow, ice, fog, wind, and hail. These conditions can cause skids, hydroplaning, glare, obstructions, or flooding.
Animal factors
Animals can cross the road or emerge from vegetation, surprising drivers and causing them to brake suddenly, lose control of their vehicle, or collide with the animal or another vehicle. Some of the animals that can cause accidents are dogs, cats, deer, bears, foxes, rabbits, etc. Would you like to evaluate your case?
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What advice can be followed to prevent traffic accidents?
Traffic accidents can be prevented and reduced if preventive and protective measures are adopted, both by drivers and passengers. Some of these tips are:
Respect traffic rules and signals
You should drive in accordance with traffic laws and rules, such as speed limits, traffic light signals and sounds, stop signs and yield signs, road markings, etc. These rules and signals are designed to ensure order and safety on the roads, and avoid accidents due to recklessness or negligence.
Drive with prudence and caution
You should drive with attention, anticipation, and respect, avoiding dangerous maneuvers, such as abrupt lane changes, improper passing, crossing into the opposite lane, etc. You should also yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, to avoid rear-end or angle collisions.
Avoid alcohol consumption and other substances that may affect driving ability
These substances alter the perception, reaction, and coordination of drivers, increasing the risk of making errors or violations. According to NHTSA, 28% of traffic accident deaths in 2020 involved a driver with a blood alcohol level equal to or greater than the legal limit.
Avoid the use of electronic devices or other distractions that may divert attention from the road
Distraction can be caused by the use of cell phones, music players, GPS navigators, etc., or by any other activity that diverts attention from driving, such as eating, drinking, smoking, putting on makeup, talking, etc. Distraction can cause drivers to miss important information about their surroundings, commit violations, or fail to react in time to an unforeseen event.
Get adequate rest before driving
Sleepiness or fatigue diminish the attention, concentration, and performance of drivers, and can cause them to fall asleep at the wheel or react late to a risky situation. According to NHTSA, 2.5% of traffic accident deaths in 2020 were related to sleepiness or fatigue.
Use a seatbelt and appropriate child restraint systems
These devices are essential for reducing the risk of death and injuries to vehicle occupants in case of an accident. According to NHTSA, 47% of passenger vehicle occupants who died in traffic accidents in 2020 were not wearing a seatbelt.
Adapt your driving to the road, weather, and traffic conditions.
You should drive with more care and caution when the road is in poor condition, when the weather is adverse, or when traffic is heavy, as these factors can affect the visibility, grip, and stability of vehicles, as well as the reaction ability of drivers. You should reduce speed, turn on lights, increase safe distance, etc.
What should be done in case of a vehicle crash?
In case of a vehicle crash, the most important thing is to stay calm and follow these steps:
- Check for injuries. The first thing to do is to check that you and the vehicle occupants are okay, and if there are any serious injuries, call emergency services immediately.
- Mark the accident site. You should turn on the vehicle's emergency lights and place reflective triangles at a safe distance to warn other drivers of the hazard. accidents.
- Notify the police. You should call the police so they can come to the accident scene and take note of what happened. The police will prepare a report with information about those involved, witnesses, the causes and circumstances of the accident, which will be useful for determining responsibilities and claiming compensation.
- Gather information and evidence. You should exchange information with the other driver, such as name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate number, vehicle model and color, and the name and policy number of the insurance company.
- Call your insurance company. You should contact your insurance company to report the accident and request assistance from an adjuster, who will evaluate the damages and determine the coverage and amount of compensation.
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