There are different types of road users, but they have to observe traffic laws to keep other road users safe. As a Montana car accident lawyer can tell you, the population growth is directly related to car accidents on the road. Therefore, the probability of an accident caused by human error is very high in highly populated cities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey of 2018 says that there were more than 36,000 fatalities, and 2.71 million people in car accidents sought medical help. Further evaluation shows that a whopping 94 percent of all car accidents are caused by human error.

What Are the Major Causes of Car Crashes?

1. Driving Under the Influence

Some people still want to drive even after taking mind-altering substances such as alcohol and other drugs. Drunk driving is against the law and can be avoided by ordering taxis after indulging in recreational drugs or alcohol. Deaths attributed to drunk driving are pointless and could be avoided by displaying better judgment on the driver’s part.

2. Distracted Driving

Every driver is taught to always pay attention while driving because the brain can’t focus on one task at a time. You should be doing only one thing on the road: driving. That means no texting, eating, personal grooming, reading, making phone calls, or talking to people in the back.

You should always focus while driving to make fast decisions in case another driver is not paying attention to the road. Defensive driving can save your life and that of other road users.

3. Ignoring Speed Limits

Different roads have specific speed limits, which are indicated on road signs. If you are distracted, you might not see the sign and use the wrong speed on the road. Drunk drivers are also likely to go over speed limits because they are not in the right frame of mind to make sound judgments.

People also speed because they are running late, avoiding traffic, or just want the thrill of fast driving, which can be dangerous.

4. Reckless Driving

Some people intentionally break traffic laws and don’t allow others the right of way even when it’s their turn. Such people avoid turn signals, recklessly overtake other drivers, and even drive on pathways meant for pedestrians. If you encounter such drivers, let them pass and let the traffic police deal with them.

5. Faulty Car Parts

Sometimes a driver can do the right thing only to get into a car accident because a part of their car didn’t work correctly. This is the manufacturer’s fault and can be very dangerous, especially if you didn’t know there was a problem before getting on the road.

6. Fatigue or Illness

You should only get behind the wheel when you are well-rested and can focus on the road. However, some people will still drive when they have trouble remaining awake, making thoughtless driving decisions, and switching lanes constantly, which is risky. If you are tired, get someone to drive you or take public transportation.

7. Not Wearing a Seatbelt

This is the simplest yet most ignored traffic law. People assume that they don’t need to wear a seatbelt because they are traveling a short distance. Most people who get badly injured in a car accident usually aren’t wearing a seatbelt.

What to Do After a Driver Error Caused an Accident

Whether you were at fault or not, you should consider getting a car accident lawyer who can advise you on the next step you can take. Some states allow victims with minor responsibility for the accident to still get compensated, while others waive compensation if the victim contributed to the accident even in a small way.