Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyer

On a nationwide level, and here in Ohio and around Cincinnati, negligence is one of the leading causes of car wrecks. Many accidents are preventable if drivers remember to approach the task of driving seriously.

Below is a list of some of the most common factors that lead to car accidents nationwide:

• Distracted Driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 3,500 people died nationwide in auto collisions in 2016 that were caused by distracted drivers. All distractions count—from talking on the phone to texting, eating behind the wheel, checking a GPS monitor, or bending over to pick up a dropped item.
• Drowsy Driving. It’s estimated that drivers who fell asleep at the wheel or were drowsy caused more than 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 fatalities in 2013. According to the CDC, these numbers are an underestimate.
• Speeding/Reckless Driving. Over 9,000 auto wrecks involved drivers who were speeding in 2016. Speeding is just one example of reckless driving behavior that can potentially place others at risk.

• Drunk Driving. In 2016, 10,497 individuals died in motor vehicle collisions involving alcohol. This statistic is an increase from 2015 and one we can absolutely prevent. Driving under the influence of drugs is also a major factor in many car accidents.

Other Causes of Car Accidents in Ohio

• Failure to Check Blind Spots. Every vehicle has a blind spot that motorists need to be aware of before they change their lanes, merge on the highway, or make a turn. A driver that either forgets, assumes no one is behind them, or just doesn’t check the blind spots could run into a vehicle next to them and cause a collision.

• Aggressive Driving. This is related to speeding and reckless driving. Aggressive drivers, for instance, tend to tailgate those in front of them, weave through traffic, and are more prone to road rage. They have less time to react to emergency situations on the road and can easily cause auto wrecks.
• Failing to Follow the Rules of Traffic. When a driver fails to signal when making a turn or disobeys a traffic sign or signal, for example, they may potentially cause a car accident. Failing to notice a potential road or weather hazard is also dangerous.
• Unfamiliarity with Roads. For people driving long-distance, they may be on unfamiliar roads. They may not know if the road is notorious for its dangerous blind turns or if it’s riddled with potholes and cracks. These factors can increase the chances of an auto wreck.
• Inclement Weather. Ice and snow make the roads dangerous and the car’s wheels can lose their grip on the road. Drivers may not think they have to slow down to match driving conditions and lose control of their vehicle if they’re not cautious.

As you can see, all the above factors are preventable to at least some degree. If every driver was more cautious and tried their best to avoid the above situations, our roads would be much safer.