The most common types of car accidents are usually avoidable. Most accidents occur due to the negligence of the driver or negligent care for the vehicle. These accidents can be avoided! If you know the most common reasons for an accident, you can be better prepared to deal with them. As such, let’s take a look at the most common types of car accidents (and tips on how to avoid being labelled a high-risk driver.)
The most common types of car accidents
1. Distracted driving
One of the most common types of car accidents is due to distracted driving. There are many distractions in your car, ranging from your radio to other passengers, to the worst culprit – your phone. To avoid a distracted driving accident, the solution is very simple: Focus and keep your phone out of sight. When in your car, put your phone on silent, program the GPS beforehand and ask passengers for some quiet. Distracted driving is the most common, but it’s also the easiest to avoid.
2. Speeding
Speed limits aren’t an arbitrary number. They are set based upon the average driving skill of every person that can drive on it. The government also considers turns, traffic and potential risks. Together, they result in a speed limit. Every 1km faster you drive above the posted speed limit is essentially an exponential gamble. Based on all available information about driving and speed, you’re gambling on your health, safety and the lives of others. It’s a gamble not worth making. Instead of speeding, stick to the posted speed limit. Speeding is also one of the most common ways that can result in higher insurance rates. And, I think we can all agree that you would much rather save on auto insurance when possible!
3. Bad weather
When weather conditions deteriorate, driver quality drops significantly. Even if you’re a great driver in poor weather conditions, others around you may not be. As such, they may not be able to react as fast as you can to changing situations, and the result is commonly an accident. To avoid weather-related accidents, slow down and create extra space between other vehicles.
4. Failing to adhere to street signs
From fender benders to much worse, failing to follow street signs is a common cause of accidents. Running a red light or a stop sign results in the highest accident rates. However, that should come as no surprise. Always be vigilant when approaching intersections and obey all street signs. Slow down if you’re unsure of the current street rules, and keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times.
5. Poor vehicle maintenance
Cars are high-performance machines, but they still need significant upkeep. Everything from the engine to your windshield wipers needs to be regularly inspected. There are two specific parts on a car that need extra attention: your tires and brakes. Your brakes are an obvious stress point on your car, as they are responsible for slowing and stopping your vehicle. If you experience brake failure, remain calm and try to slow your car by driving on shoulders or onto an empty street. If there are vehicles around, try to hold your horn to make others aware of your distress.
As for your tires, the most common issue is a blowout. They occur when the tire loses structural integrity and fall apart under pressure. To avoid getting into an accident, do your best to keep calm and navigate your car to the shoulder. In both cases, have your brakes inspected often by a professional, and look at your tires on a weekly basis for any sign of issues.
Other common causes of car accidents
There are many reasons that people get into accidents. While the above five are most common, there are still others that do occur. They include:
- Unsafe or illegal lane changes
- Tailgating other drivers (following too closely)
- Driving impaired, either alcohol or drugs
- Road rage incidents
- Potholes
- Deer, moose or other animal crossings
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
To avoid these and other car accidents, always give driving a vehicle the respect it deserves. You are traveling at a speed that is far faster than the body can handle. You’re also in an object that weighs over 1,000 kilos, travelling at fast speeds. It can quickly become a danger to anyone and anything around you. So, take proper care when you get behind the wheel and do your best to be the safest driver you can be!
Common types of car accidents and high risk auto insurance
The impacts of common types of car accidents can be long-lasting. In the short term, an accident can be, at best, frightening, and at worst, fatal or life-changing. There is also an impact on your auto insurance, and your ability to access cheap car insurance premiums. The more accidents you are involved in, the higher your auto insurance rates will be. Worse still, you can become listed as a high risk driver. High risk auto insurance is generally more expensive and harder to obtain than your average auto insurance policy.
That being said, if you are listed as a high-risk driver, you can still find affordable high risk insurance. The key to finding those policies is to have your isure broker compare car insurance rates for you. We will also help you find any high risk insurance discounts to save you as much money as possible. Best of all, our certified insurance brokers are available 24/7 to help you. We don’t work for the insurance providers, we work for you. So, you can always be sure that we’ll provide you with unbiased information and suggestions. High risk insurance can be found for an affordable price – let’s discuss how!
