According to data by the Arizona Department of Transportation, in a recent year, Arizona had over 98,000 vehicle crashes. The best way to prevent an accident is to be mindful of the most common causes of car accidents and avoid any of those activities while driving.
5 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Arizona
These are the five leading causes of vehicle accidents in the state.
1. Speeding
Speed limits are designed to protect drivers from an accident. Unfortunately, many residents ignore this law as speed violations are the top cause of car crashes. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to work or an appointment so you aren’t tempted to speed to arrive on time. Remember, you have less control over your vehicle the faster it is moving, especially if you encounter unexpected objects or activity on the road.
2. Distracted Driving
The popularity of smartphones has elevated the number of accidents due to distracted driving. Although using your phone while driving is outlawed in Arizona, many people still try to get away with this activity. Other distractions include singing, eating and even grooming. Avoid this type of accident by keeping your eyes on the road at all times. If something comes up that needs your immediate attention, pull over until you’ve taken care of the issue.
3. Failure to Yield
Failure to yield at stop signs or traffic lights and while changing lanes is another one of the common causes of car accidents in Arizona. Make it a habit to observe the right of way laws of the state.
4. Impairment
Overuse of alcohol and drugs impairs your ability to drive and react in time to dangerous situations on the road. It can also lead you to enter a freeway or roadway going the wrong direction, which could cause a head-on collision. If you find yourself impaired, call a friend instead of driving yourself home, take a taxi or check into a hotel until you are sober enough to drive safely. The Arizona legal blood alcohol content level is 0.08%, and there are tough legal penalties in place should you be caught driving under the influence.
5. Rain and Snow
The terrain in Arizona leads to a wide range of weather occurrences. The desert portions of the state average only 3 inches of rain a year, but the mountainous areas can receive up to 40 inches, and some of that is in the form of snow. Summertime monsoons drop a large amount of rain in a short amount of time, which leads to road flooding. In times of inclement weather, drive at a slower speed and allow plenty of space between the vehicle in front of you to give you time to stop safely.
We Know the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Arizona
Creating healthy driving habits designed to prevent these common causes of car accidents helps to increase your chances of avoiding a collision. If you experience an accident despite your precautions, at Sargon Law Group, our dedicated motor vehicle accident attorneys in Phoenix, AZ are ready to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Phoenix personal injury attorney.