According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there is an average of nearly 96,000 crashes in Maryland every year. While driving often seems like a mundane task for most, injuries and fatalities can be sustained at any time. It is important to know some of the most common causes that lead to injury-related car accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that diverts your attention away. Some common examples of distracted driving are talking on a cell phone, eating, using a navigation system, or sending a text message. Texting while driving poses a particular danger as it leads drivers to take their eyes off of the road, hands off of the wheel, and minds off of driving.
Intoxication
Intoxication, or driving under the influence, contributes to a tremendous number of car accidents occurring in Maryland each year. Regardless of the amount of alcohol involved, a driver’s reaction time, decision-making, and vision can be significantly impaired to the point of causing an accident or being unable to avoid one.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving displays many similarities to driving under the influence. A fatigued driver is not only prone to falling asleep behind the wheel but is also susceptible to slower reaction times when it comes to responding to hazards on the road. According to studies, “After 17 to 19 hours without sleep, performance was equivalent or worse than that of a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.05 percent.” Fatigue can also cause drivers to miss traffic signals and be generally unaware of their surroundings.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving occurs when a driver displays a blatant disregard for the rules of the road. Unfortunately, most drivers display these reckless tendencies far too often. Whether it be dodging in and out of traffic, tailgating, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals, reckless behaviors like these put both yourself and other drivers in danger.
While these are just a few common causes of injury-related car accidents, it is important for all drivers to remain safe while behind the wheel. Should you or a loved one find yourself injured in a car accident, call Potter Burnett Law today.
References:
Maryland Department of Transpiration
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lissette-calveiro/studies-show-sleep-deprivation-performance-is-similar-to-being-under-the-influence-of-alcohol_b_9562992.html