Many motor vehicle accidents that occur on Arizona roads are minor such as fender benders. Others are far more severe and result in serious injuries and fatalities. The following factors are more likely to cause fatal car crashes.
Distraction
Distracted driving, especially when texting is involved, is one of the biggest causes of motor vehicle accident fatalities. This is because focusing on something other than steering and the road significantly reduces a driver’s ability to safely control their vehicle, slow down and stop when necessary. Even five seconds of distraction can have devastating results.
DUI
Driving under the influence ranks as one of the top reasons for car accident-related deaths. When a person consumes alcohol or is impaired by drugs, even those legally prescribed, it impairs their judgment, coordination, reaction time and control. Because of all these issues, it can cause serious accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries and even death.
Speeding
Drivers who speed or drag race put everyone sharing the road in grave danger. Speeding excessively over the legal speed limit causes drivers to lose control over their steering and prevents them from being able to stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle, pedestrian, animal or obstacle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020 alone, more than 11,000 people died in crashes caused by speeding.
Not wearing a seatbelt
Not wearing a seatbelt can cause car accident deaths. If a person gets into a collision, they can be thrown from the vehicle and killed. Sadly, wearing a seatbelt at all times could prevent this from happening.
Road rage
Road rage causes drivers to behave erratically and violently. Chasing after another vehicle, trying to sideswipe a car and even using a gun or other weapon while in a blind rage can cause death.
Not all accidents are preventable, but being cautious while driving can reduce fatalities.