What Are the Causes of Car Accidents in San Bernardino?
The number of people injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents in San Bernardino County rose 35% from 2010 to 2019. Every time you get behind the wheel as a driver or passenger, you must understand how to stay safe on the road.
A large part of this is staying aware and anticipating dangers before they occur. By taking a proactive approach to road safety, you can help identify risk factors and even prevent a collision.
What are the causes of car accidents in San Bernardino and what steps can you take to avoid them? Today, we’re sharing some of the most common issues.
Understanding Common Accident Factors
Many of the injuries and fatalities that occur on the road are preventable. There are several factors that influence traffic safety, making collisions more or less likely. This includes negligent driver behavior, which puts other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk.
Let’s break down some of the most common car accident causes, and ways to prevent them.
Distracted Driving
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reports that it sometimes issues up to 20,000 tickets per month to drivers on their cell phones. Distracted driving is the act of engaging in any type of activity that takes the driver’s focus and attention away from the road.
This might mean placing a call, texting, changing the radio station, or using GPS technology. It can also include eating or drinking in the car.
When distracted, drivers tend to have slower reaction times. They may also find it difficult to maintain control of their vehicles, or keep them in the right lanes. These actions can lead to catastrophic accidents that result in serious injury or death.
One way to prevent this issue is to take care of distracting activities before or after driving. If you’re riding in a car with a driver who seems distracted, hold them accountable and alert them of their actions.
Impaired Driving
Driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that around 32 people in the United States die every day in drunk driving crashes. That’s one person every 45 minutes.
Drunk and drugged driving is illegal in San Bernardino, as well as throughout California. In the state, it’s against the law to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Commercial vehicle drivers cannot have a BAC over 0.04% and if you’re under 21, the limit is 0.01%.
If you’ve sustained auto accident injuries as a result of a drunk driving collision, it’s smart to reach out to a car accident attorney immediately. Your car accident lawyer can help you complete a personal injury claim and fight for your rights as you heal.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, including road rage, occurs any time a driver behaves in an irresponsible manner. While some mistakes occur honestly and without intent, reckless driving intentionally puts other drivers and passengers at risk.
Often, this occurs when a driver becomes impatient. They might feel as though traffic isn’t moving at an appropriate speed, especially if they’re already running late. As a result, they allow their emotions to take over, which can lead to aggressive and dangerous behavior.
They might pass in an illegal zone, or follow too closely. They may also engage in unsafe lane changes, fail to yield the right-of-way, or exceed the speed limit.
If you notice another driver acting this way, move out of the way and allow them plenty of room. It’s never a good idea to engage reckless drivers, as doing so could put you more at risk.
Adverse Weather
Bad weather is one of the top causes of car accidents. From rain and wind to hail and snow, there are many types of precipitation that can make roads slick and increase the likelihood of a collision. Even bright sunlight can impede your vision and make it difficult to see the road in front of you.
It’s critical to practice extreme caution every time you get behind the wheel, especially if the forecast calls for adverse weather. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, and slow down to accommodate the conditions. Even if the speed limit is posted at 60 miles per hour, you should drive much slower during poor weather conditions like heavy rain.
Speeding
Speed limits are posted frequently on San Bernardino roadways. Unfortunately, many drivers choose to ignore or challenge these limits, even though they understand the risks of doing so.
The NHTSA reports that in 2020 alone, speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities, killing 11,258 people. Keep in mind that speeding does not only mean driving faster than the speed limit. It also means driving faster than the current road conditions allow.
This includes driving without caution on a road that is:
Affected by bad weather
Under repair
Poorly lit at night
If you find yourself speeding, remember this basic rule: It’s better to lose a minute of your life than to lose your life in a minute. Slow down, remember the weight of the machine at your fingertips, and stay calm. If you encounter a speeder on the road, give them plenty of space and allow them to pass if it’s safe to do so.
What Are the Causes of Car Accidents? Learn More and Stay Safe
San Bernardino, CA is a great city to explore or stop by on the way to the desert and Las Vegas. Yet, the roads can be dangerous here, just like anywhere else. Whether you’re a passenger or a driver, remember to keep these potential risks in mind.
What are the causes of car accidents? These are only a few of the most common ones. Other issues include running red lights or stop signs, taking improper turns, or ignoring road hazards.
If you’re injured in a San Bernardino car accident, our team at Rockview Accident Lawyers is here to help. Reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
