Car accidents often result in drivers suffering from serious injuries, mainly due to the reckless or careless actions of another driver. Everyone on the road has a responsibility to ensure safety, not only for themselves but also for others. Ignoring this responsibility by acting recklessly or carelessly puts both themselves and others in danger.
It’s essential to be aware of three common reasons for car accidents. These causes are not just statistics. They represent real dangers that every driver should understand and actively work to avoid.
Speeding beyond the limit
Driving at excessive speeds reduces the driver’s reaction time and ability to maneuver around obstacles safely. High speeds also increase the distance needed for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The faster a car moves, the more severe the impact is likely to be in the event of a collision. Thus, speeding is one of the major contributors to serious car accidents.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
When drivers consume alcohol or drugs, their ability to drive safely is significantly compromised. Under such influence, drivers may experience:
- Slower reactions on the road
- Less precision in controlling the vehicle
- Poor choices while driving
These circumstances can lead to devastating accidents that sober driving could have prevented.
Driving while distracted
Activities that divert a driver’s attention from the road are distractions. These can involve texting, eating, adjusting the radio or talking to passengers. All these activities demand a level of cognitive, visual, or manual attention ideally reserved for driving. However, when these distractions dominate a driver’s attention, they can easily cause an accident.
Straight to recovery after the accident
While the chances of being involved in a car accident in Oklahoma may be lower than the national average, the potential for fatal outcomes is higher. This underscores the importance of attentiveness on the roads. However, the responsibility does not solely rest on the injured driver. Oklahoma’s car accident laws allow victims to seek compensation such as medical bills, property damage and other costs from the at-fault party following a severe accident. Dealing with an accident can be challenging. So, those injured should consider seeking a legal professional. Doing so can guide them in understanding their rights and exploring options for compensation.