Why Auto Accidents Happen
CAPE CORAL, FORT MYERS, LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
In 2007, more than seven hundred people lost their lives to auto accidents every day across the nation. Many of those deaths were preventable. Why do auto accidents happen? More importantly, what can we do to reduce the number of injuries and deaths from auto accidents?
Common reasons for auto accidents are numerous. Leading the pack, however, is driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Not only do drivers and passengers die by the hundreds each year in these senseless accidents, but pedestrians, either intoxicated or struck by intoxicated drivers, are also injured or killed.
Driver inattention is another big factor. Talking on a cell phone, applying makeup, changing clothes, eating, reading and even sending text messages while driving are just a few of the careless acts that cause auto accidents in Florida and across the United States in increasing numbers.
Inexperience among younger or new drivers can lead to errors in judgment. Ignoring road signs or traffic signals, driving too fast for road conditions, competing for speed with other drivers, and forgetting to wear a seat belt has suddenly ended the lives of many young drivers and their passengers.
Sleep deprivation is a frequent reason for auto accidents, and becoming drowsy or falling asleep at the wheel increases the chance of injury, permanent disability or death. Our active lifestyles, odd work and school schedules and the burden of too many obligations can cause chronic fatigue. Being overly fatigued can make it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, we have become so accustomed to living in overdrive, fatigued people who get behind the wheel of a car are usually not aware of jeopardizing their own lives and that of others.
Road rage is a fairly new phenomenon that contributes to auto accidents. Statistics prove angry drivers have a higher incidence of auto accidents that are more serious and involve more vehicles.
Careless driving is the most common reason for auto accidents and includes:
- Passing on the shoulder of the road
- Ignoring “no passing” zones
- Passing when you cannot see oncoming cars
- Turning from the wrong lane
- Stopping unexpectedly in moving traffic
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
If you are injured in an auto accident through the error or recklessness of another driver, you may be able to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages and other issues related to your injury. To learn more or schedule a free personal injury consultation, please contact the friendly, competent auto accident attorneys at Lusk, Drasites, Tolisano & Smith, P.A. in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Florida.
