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5 Common Causes Of Collisions (And How You Can Stay Clear Of Them)
Car collisions are never a fun experience, even minor ones. Not only is it stressful and often scary, but it can also be expensive to repair the damages. The good news is that there are some things you can do to help avoid collisions altogether. Keep reading to learn about the five most common causes of collisions and how you can avoid them.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common (and preventable) causes of collisions. Anything that takes your attention away from the road, even for just a few seconds, can be dangerous.
So, what counts as distracted driving? Some of the most common examples of distracted driving are:
- Talking or texting on your phone
- Fiddling with the radio
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Daydreaming
- Looking at something outside of the car
To avoid distracted driving, put away your phone and other potential distractions before you hit the road. Pull over to a safe location if you need to do something that will take your attention away from the road. And if you feel tired, sleepy, or otherwise not focused on driving, it's best to just stay off the road altogether.
2. Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of collisions. When you're speeding, you have less time to react to potential hazards on the road, and you're more likely to lose control of your vehicle. To avoid speeding, always follow the posted speed limit and give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going so you don't feel rushed.
3. Driving Under The Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea. Not only is it illegal in all 50 states, but it's also incredibly dangerous. Drugs and alcohol impair your driving ability, making it more difficult to pay attention to the road and react quickly to potential hazards.
If you're unsure of your driving ability, hand over the keys to someone else or call a ride service like Uber or Lyft instead of getting behind the wheel yourself.
4. Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice can make it more difficult to see and be seen by other drivers and can make it more difficult to control your vehicle. If possible, avoid driving in bad weather altogether. But if you find yourself on the road in less-than-ideal conditions, take things slow and be extra cautious. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles, brake slowly and deliberately, and don't forget to turn on your headlights so that other drivers can see you.
5. Driving While Drowsy
Just like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while drowsy impairs your ability to pay attention to the road and react quickly if necessary. If you're feeling tired while driving, pull over at the next rest stop and take a nap or switch drivers if possible. And if you know you'll be getting behind the wheel while tired (for example, if you have an early morning appointment), make sure to get a good night's sleep beforehand so that you'll be well-rested for the drive ahead.
By being aware of these common causes of collisions—and taking steps to avoid them—you can help keep yourself safe on the roadways. And if you find yourself in an accident despite taking precautions, know that we're here to help with all your collision repair needs!
Head over to CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, CA, your go-to collision repair center after any accident. Come in today, and we'll help bring your vehicle back to the condition it deserves. Please schedule an appointment with us today, and see what makes us so unique in the Monterey community!