Any time you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you put yourself at risk. However, you do not have to be afraid of driving. While accidents do happen, and you could get injured, it is important to understand what types of accidents are the most common so that you can try to avoid them when possible.
According to the New York State Department of Health, the average number of ER visits caused by car crashes from 2012 to 2014 was 136,913. If you want to stay out of the hospital, you should always drive defensively and be aware of the following risks.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is probably the most common cause of car accidents. When a driver is not paying attention to the road, he or she is much more likely to get in a wreck. Texting, talking on the phone, reading, putting on makeup and fatigue are often the culprit of distracted driving.
Speeding
Drivers who exceed the speed limit are all too often the offender in motor vehicle accidents that result in injuries. Speeding makes it more difficult to stop or change direction when necessary to avoid hitting another car or obstacle.
Intoxication
Unfortunately, some drivers choose to operate their vehicles when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In these cases, the intoxicated driver is rarely the person who gets hurt. It is almost always the other drivers or passengers.
No one wants to think about getting in a motor vehicle accident, but it does happen. You can keep yourself and your passengers safe by being aware of the risks that accompany driving.