The road to disaster: The most common causes for car accidents and how to avoid them
Freedom, excitement, relaxation, and independence are generally the words that best describe the driving experience. The hectic pace of life sometimes requires a break, and that’s when most people find themselves on an aimless road, allowing their bodies and minds to unwind and release tension.
A simple car (if we’re talking about a Porsche Carrera is not that simple) functions as a means of reverie, meditation, and problem-solving, as well as it can boost cognitive functions such as perception, attention, memory, and decision-making. But as with many things in life, driving is a double-edged sword. The fantasy has to come to an end, and that moment is when you’re stuck in traffic for 3 hours or when you have the misfortune of being the victim of a car accident.
As a driver, you must be aware of the risks you’re exposed to and the factors that are causing them. You must also properly know how to defend yourself and others from potential dangers and what to do if this happens to you.
What are the most common causes of collisions, and how can they be avoided?
Statistically, young drivers, especially males, are more likely to get involved in accidents than other chauffeurs. However, car accidents can happen to anyone, no matter the age, gender, and experience. We cannot quite say there is a pattern for fatal collisions, but there are definitely several common causes behind them. Let’s find out more!
Distracted Driving
It’s not like people are using their phones while navigating a car to play Sudoku or Subway Surfers, but it doesn’t matter how vehemently they can justify their behaviors; This is now a life-threatening risk. Taking your eyes off the road can have disastrous consequences, even if we are talking just about a few seconds. You should keep in mind that distracted driving is not restricted to mobile devices, and it can be caused by eating, drinking, changing the radio, talking (especially arguing), and even trying to unalive a flying insect.
Suppose you want to minimize distractions while driving. In that case, you should make the necessary adjustments regarding your seat and mirror before you start driving, put your phone aside for a while (you’ll survive), choose quieter music, and always be ready to safely steer to the roadside if anything requires immediate attention.
Under the Influence Driving
About a quarter of all road fatalities in Europe are alcohol related. As for the United Kingdom, the number of people drinking and driving it has increased to 300 annually, according to newly published government data. If we were to talk about the number of alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescribed medicine commonly found in the blood of deceased drivers, our conversation might take a turn from the leisurely pace of a Saturday tea time.
As this wasn’t enough, people still dare to argue about the law, voicing their frustration over being banned from driving after one beer and one “harmless” joint. Meanwhile, after all these tragedies caused by driving under the influence, how to stop this behavior-questions and actions should take center stage.
Weather-related driving
The principal weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement and during rainfall. The standard safe measurement is to increase your following distance and slow down to a safe speed, no matter what the posted speed limit might be. Moreover, you need to properly equip your vehicle according to seasonal changes, thoughtfully clear windows and mirrors, and constantly ensure that headlights and taillights are working.
Bad weather means terrible driving conditions, and Mother Nature doesn’t accept lawsuits from you. Consequently, as the driver, you bear responsibility if a car accident arises due to severe weather conditions.
High-speed driving
According to the National Safety Council, in a recent year, speeding contributed to 26%of all fatal car accidents nationwide.
For all these speed-addicted drivers out there: If you’re eager to show off your brand-new Mustang, consider taking it to a rally, where reckless acceleration and adrenaline belong.
What is the recovery process after a car accident?
The recovery process following a car accident is never the same for anyone, as numerous factors- such as the severity of the crash, pre-existing health conditions, emotional resilience, and the level of social support available – can influence how long the body remains in a state of shock. The healing journey is unpredictable and deeply personal, as while some may recover quickly, others might experience prolonged physical and psychological effects.
What many people are not aware of, and what could significantly ease their lives after enduring such a traumatic experience, is the availability of compensation through a personal injury claim. The sooner you consult with a car accident attorney, the bigger your chances of building a case are. So many people fail to realize that they’re entitled to compensation, navigating those precipitous journeys by themselves, which is a shame, really.
Furthermore, no one exactly knows how long it’s expected to be confronted with recurring nightmares, flashbacks of the moment, anxiety, persistent feelings of unease or fear, headaches, and muscle tension after being the victim of a car accident. Seeking help is an essential step in your healing journey, as the psychological impact of a vehicle crash often requires a miscellaneous approach. Potential treatment approaches may involve:
- Support groups for accident survivors, as it’s perfectly fine (and more than recommended) to acknowledge you cannot do it by yourself.
- Relaxation techniques include deep breathing, meditation, praying, yoga, aromatherapy, and massages; Healing comes within your heart and soul.
- Prescription options for managing anxiety and depression, as sometimes they can ease your fight.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective way to deal with overwhelming problems by breaking them down into smaller parts.
Final Thoughts
If you or your loved one have ever experienced a car accident, our deepest sympathies go out to you. We know such a traumatic event can leave lasting scars, both seen and unseen, but that doesn’t mean you should lose hope. Healing is a journey, and while the road may be difficult sometimes, taking care of your body and soul is essential. Remember, you’re not alone, and support is always within reach.