There are various factors that regularly result in car accidents in Australia.
Some of these include reckless driving, human error, intoxicated driving, driving in the wrong way, street racing, disobeying stop signs or red lights, distracted driving and road rage.
According to a global study conducted by the World Health Organisation, between 2019 – 2020, there were 1,300 fatalities and 62,700 hospital admissions related to traffic accidents. Only car accidents that ended in injuries or deaths are included in these data. The majority of car accidents, however, do not result in passenger injuries but cause damage to vehicles.
To prevent a potential car crash, it is important to understand what the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents are and how to take the necessary precautions.
This article covers the top causes of car accidents in Australia and offers advice on how to respond if you find yourself in a motor vehicle accident in Perth and have made a claim.
1. Speeding
Speeding is a frequent contributor to auto accidents. Speeding is defined as overcoming the established speed limits on a particular road.
It can even be dangerous adhering to the indicated speed limit if other factors exist, such as bad road conditions, bad weather, reduced visibility from fog, or slick roads from heavy rain.
In most states, careless driving and disregarding speed limits are among the leading causes of traffic collisions, including fatal collisions.
2. Distracted driving
Another major contributing factor to deadly crashes and road fatalities includes distracted driving – predominantly as a result of using a mobile device while driving.
Distracted drivers risk missing traffic signs, making unsafe lane changes or turns, going the wrong way down a street or failing to react to other cars. For example, when driving at 50 km/h for two seconds while looking down at a phone screen, a distracted driver can travel 2 metres, in which distance, an accident can happen.
Beside the fact that using a mobile device while driving is a major contributor to collisions, other roadside distractions include other drivers, especially small children and passengers, eating and drinking, tuning the radio, and looking for items inside the car.
3. Drugs and Alcohol (Impaired Driving)
Drunk driving commonly contributes to fatalities on the road and serious motor accidents.
Alcohol and drugs can impair drivers’ ability to react quickly, reduce their capacity for rational decision-making, and increase their propensity for violent behaviour behind the wheel.
Although drunk driving may not be as common as speeding, it nevertheless results in nearly the same number of accidents. In Australia driving is only legally permitted with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% or less. Additionally, operating a vehicle when high or having narcotics in one’s system is prohibited.
4. Extreme Tiredness
Extreme tiredness can make a driver lose control of their car and doze off at the wheel, both of which increase the risk of a serious car accident. It may be more difficult for tired drivers to react quickly enough to stop at stop signs or make turns in time to prevent collisions.
Classic causes of weariness include long trips and nocturnal driving, but it can also be brought on by a busy schedule, physically demanding activities, or simply not getting enough sleep. If you feel sleepy while driving it is advised to pull over, take a break – or better, a nap.
5. Ignoring Cautionary Signs and Traffic Signals
You count on other motorists to obey traffic rules and signals, such as the posted speed limit, stop signs, and red lights.
The correct traffic rules are to slow down for yellow lights and stop for red lights since both indicate a stop. However, it’s common to see fast-moving cars blow through stop signs or traffic signals, drive in the wrong lane, or run red lights. Running red lights and disobeying traffic signals are common reasons for car accidents.
For instance, drivers may miss important traffic signals, run stop signs, or cause a traffic collision if they drive at excessive speeds, are intoxicated, inexperienced, or are distracted by using a phone while driving.
6. Vehicle Mistakes or Maintenance Issues
A vehicle may not be able to steer correctly, brake in time, or accelerate when necessary if it is not properly maintained which increases the probability that it will cause, or be involved in, an accident.
If the engine fails, the car could stop suddenly or abruptly in the middle of a busy road. Other drivers won’t be aware of your intention to turn if your turn signals aren’t functioning.
Poorly maintained automobiles are a more frequent cause of collisions, even though defective vehicle design may result in a loss of control or a sudden halt.
Conclusion
If you have been involved in a car accident in Perth and made a claim, it can be invaluable to engage a car accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you comprehend the legal process, accurately assess the value of your claim, and negotiate a favourable settlement from the insurance company. Moreover, car accident lawyers in Perth can provide invaluable legal advice on responding to the insurance company and protecting your rights.
D’Angelo Legal is a full-service law practice that strives to provide clients with the greatest options for overcoming various legal challenges. Contact our car accident lawyers in Perth today if you’ve been in an accident and filed a claim.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish a solicitor-client relationship. The content is provided as is, without express or implied warranties of any kind or considering your circumstances. This article is not intended to be a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a solicitor. Readers are encouraged to consult their legal advisors for specific legal advice tailored to their needs. No reader should act or refrain from acting based on this article’s information without seeking professional legal advice.