Every year across the U.S., thousands of people die in auto accidents. Most New York accidents are caused by human error, and there a few common ones. At the top of the list is distracted driving. The rise in smartphones and other in-vehicle technology has turned this into an epidemic, but the reality is that almost anything can become a distraction, even talking with passengers.
Next comes drunk driving. Alcohol intoxication impairs judgment and focus and slows down reaction times. After this comes speeding. Many drivers ignore the posted speed limit, but they only raise their risk for a crash that way because higher speeds mean longer braking distance. Some speeders will simply not have enough time to avoid obstacles.
When speeding is combined with chaotic behavior, then it becomes reckless driving, which is another leading cause of accidents. Such behavior includes sharp turns, tailgating and ignoring traffic lights and signs. In particular, running a red light is all too frequent. Some intoxicated drivers will exhibit reckless behavior in their effort to get home quickly. Bad weather is also a culprit along with all that comes with it, including limited visibility and slick roads. Unprepared or inexperienced drivers can be negligent when traveling in rain, snow or fog.
Drivers are expected to keep their vehicles under control at all times. If they take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds and cause a crash, they could be held financially responsible for the medical expenses and other losses incurred by innocent car accident victims. People who have been harmed might want to have the assistance of an attorney when seeking compensation.