Being involved in any sort of car accident is something nobody wants to experience. The panic and stress goes far beyond just those directly involved, with family and friends also struck with worry the moment they find out a loved one has been involved in a road traffic accident. There are many possible contributing factors that can cause a car crash and we can often take steps to ensure that we at least minimise the risk of being involved in an accident, but sometimes it can be largely out of our control.

A car accident may be caused by a driver not paying enough attention to the road, dangerous driving in general or by simply following bad habits, but adhering to the highway code and paying due diligence to the road environment at all times can help avoid many incidents from happening.

In 2018, a total of 25,511 serious road traffic accidents were reported to the police. Below, we've listed a few of the more common reasons for what causes these car accidents to happen in the first place.

Speeding or driving too fast for conditions

Unfortunately, there are many drivers who either purposefully ignore speed limits or fail to pay attention to speed signs. This results in many drivers speeding to their destination and putting both themselves and others at high risk, namely due to the fact that the faster a car is travelling then the shorter reaction time the driver has to prevent an accident from occurring.

Despite the many government-led speed awareness campaigns that have been released over the course of decades, speeding or driving too fast for the road conditions is still one of the most common causes of car accidents.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs

It's no secret that driving after consuming alcohol or drugs can dramatically reduce your ability to drive safely. Much like speeding there have been many campaigns to highlight the dangers and disastrous results that can come from drink driving, yet it continues to be a very common cause of car accidents. There are times when this can often peak, such as around Christmas when people are merry and believe just a few drinks won't harm - but they can, and they do. Drink or drug driving is something that must be avoided throughout the entire year, and this can be easily achieved as it's entirely in our own hands.

Being distracted by something or someone else

Mobile phones are used consistently throughout the day by most people, to the point whereby the risk of being distracted by a phone while driving resulted in a law being introduced back in March 2017 making it illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, something we're sure you're already aware.

Other distractions can also increase the risk of you being involved in a car accident, whether they are against the law or not. Things such as eating, smoking, arguing or contending with loud children in the backseat can all take your attention away from the road, and all it takes is a split second and your lack of concentration may have disastrous consequences.

Driving recklessly

Maintaining a suitable and legal speed is one way to help ensure careful driving, but there are many other things to be mindful of as a driver to ensure you're considerate to all road users at all times. Changing lanes too quickly, making erratic turns, failing to use signals appropriately, tailgating or braking suddenly with no good reason are all things that can be classed as reckless and potentially put yourself and others at risk of a car accident.

Careless or reckless driving may result in having to attend a driving course, but any case that ends up in court could result in a fine up to £5,000 and 3 to 9 points on your license, as well as a discretionary disqualification.

Driving while tired

Police incident records show that fatigue plays a part in 2% of all car crashes. However, other studies have suggested that tiredness is a contributory factor in up to 20% of car accidents. It's important to remember that just because you're not tired, it doesn't mean other drivers aren't either - which is why it's vital to ensure as a driver, you're alert and aware at all times. Fatigue doesn't only come into play with night driving either, as a driver may be exhausted at any other time of day such as early in the morning, after a long and strenuous shift at work or during a long distance drive.

If you've unfortunately been involved in a road traffic accident and would like expert legal advice to help you through the matter, don't hesitate to contact our team of qualified solicitors here at Fonseca Law in Ebbw Vale, South Wales. Call today on 01495 303124, e-mail enquiries@fonsecalaw.co.uk or simple fill in our online contact form.