Imagine you are on your way to meet friends for dinner, the music is playing softly, and the road ahead seems clear. But suddenly, a car swerves into your lane, causing you to slam on the brakes. It’s a heart-stopping moment, and it reminds us all of the dangers lurking on the roads.
While most drivers are vigilant, some risky behaviors can unexpectedly turn a peaceful drive into a dangerous encounter. If someone crashes into you on the road, chances are that one of these three driving behaviors played a role in the accident.
Drowsy driving
Fatigue while driving can lead to the driver dozing off. Even if that only lasts a few seconds, the vehicle isn’t under control during that period. Being drowsy can result from more than just a lack of sleep. Working swing shifts or overnight, certain medical conditions or illnesses and some medications can also lead to fatigue.
According to estimates, drowsy driving contributes to about 700 deaths and 330,000 crashes annually.
Drunk driving
Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs cannot drive safely because they don’t have the reaction abilities that are necessary. Efforts to curb this incredibly dangerous behavior are widespread, but people continue to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, putting every motorist at risk.
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimates that nearly one-third of all fatal crashes involve a drunk driver.
Distracted driving
Any distraction can lead to unsafe driving, even if the driver thinks they are good at multitasking. This can be anything that takes their eyes, mind or hands away from their driving duties. Distractions make a person react slower and miss critical cues, which can result in a serious collision.
These behaviors have at least one thing in common: they are all avoidable. Because of this, it can be especially upsetting to get into an accident with a drowsy, drunk or distracted driver. Taking legal action can hold these parties accountable for their actions and potentially keep them from causing another accident in the future. Further, pursuing compensation for the damages that they cause can provide tremendous support as you navigate your recovery.