14 Top Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents In Michigan
by Bret Schnitzer
Getting into a car accident can result in devastating consequences, including serious and permanent injuries, loss of wages, Medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of activities.
While accidents can happen in a split second, safe driving should always be followed to minimize injuries and accidents from motor vehicle use and operation. Here are some of the biggest causes of auto accidents in Michigan to consider. Stay safe out there and always be careful.
1. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
The number one cause of car accidents is distracted drivers. A distracted driver is a motorist that diverts his or her attention from the road for a split second or more. With the use of cell phones, texting and other electronic gadgets it is estimated that more and more drivers on the road are distracted. Being distracted by your cell phone can cause your reactions to be like that of an impaired driver. It is best not to use a cell phone and certainly do not send or receive texts when driving. Eating or applying makeup while driving also interferes with the safe operation of a vehicle.
2. Driving over the speed limit
You’ve seen them on the street and the highway. Many drivers ignore the speed limit and drive 10, 20 and sometimes 30 mph over the limit. Speed kills, and traveling above the speed limit can kill or maim. The faster the driver the less time the driver has to react and the more time it take a driver to stop.
3. Drunk Driving
Drunk or intoxicated driving is unsafe at any speed. the intoxicated driver lose the ability to focus and function properly and its very dangerous when operating a vehicle. Always use a designated driver if you go out and drink. Do not drink and drive. Do not drive under the influence of medicine or other substances that interferes with the ability to operate heavy mechanical equipment. Read the warning labels and be careful.
4. Running red lights or disobeying traffic control devices
Drivers that run red lights, try to time lights, or squeeze through that changing light run the risk of causing an injury accident because they can cause side-impact or even front impact collisions at high speeds. To avoid a car accident, look both ways for oncoming cars as you approach a green light. The same is true of disobeying a traffic control device, pay attention and don’t do it
5. Night Driving and tired driving.
Driving at night nearly doubles the risk of a car accident occurring. When you can’t see what’s up ahead you don’t know what to anticipate as you drive towards it. As the sun goes down, awareness of what is on and around the road goes down. Headlight fatigue and tired driving accounts for more accidents as well.
6. Bad Weather
Bad weather such as snow and ice, fog and rain account for accidents occurring. When the weather is bad it is best to slow down or stop until the weather gets better.
7. Unsafe Lane changes and not using your blinker.
When it is time to get over to another lane always check your blind spot and put on your blinker and move over slowly and steadily. Not using your blinker or not checking the other lane properly accounts for accidents in Michigan.
8. Improper Turns and ignoring traffic markings on the roadway.
Always look for signs and markings on the roadway and obey the proper right-of-way before you make a turn and obey the markings on the roadway as well.
9. Tailgating.
Many drivers are impatient and reckless, driving so close to another car that they cannot react in time if the car in front of them brakes suddenly. Prevent these car accidents and give the car in front of you plenty of room as you travel.
10. Driving Under the Influence of Drugs.
It’s not only alcohol that is dangerous when mixed with drivers on the road. Drugs, both legal and illegal, have the ability to impair the operators ability to drive in a reasonably safe manner. intoxicated driving is unsafe at any speed.
11. Road rage.
Everyone has been angry at another driver for one reason or another, but some drivers let their rage overcome them. If the other driver does something dangerous or stupid it is best not to engage them or to escalate the problem. Back off and forgive and forget it the best motto.
12. Tire Blowouts.
When encountering a tire blowout, try to maintain control of your vehicle and pull over safely and then call for help.
13. Driving too fast for conditions
Many of these issues are addressed elsewhere but cannot be overstressed. When you encounter bad weather, heavy traffic, construction, poorly maintained roads, bad drivers, or other driving obstacles, the best advise is to slow down and not drive too fast for conditions.
14. Animal Crossings
While drivers are required to know the rules of the roadway, wild animals do not. Wild animals can cross the road without warning into the roadway. Take caution when you see an animal crossing sign or see an animal on the side of the road. When operating the vehicle at night the dangers of hitting a wild animal increase, because you cannot see them on the side of the road and many animals come out at night. Also, be wary of drivers who may brake suddenly to avoid a wild animal traveling in front of your vehicle.
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