The Real Causes Behind Most Car Accidents and Injuries

Car crashes and collisions can happen anywhere, and when they do, they can result in severe and potentially life threatening injuries. While a crash can occur because of road and weather conditions, one of the major reasons behind most car accidents and injuries is driver error and reckless driving behaviors. While you may not be able to control the behavior of other drivers, knowing the real causes of most accidents and what to be on the lookout for when you are on the road can help protect you and your loved ones.

Illinois Car Accident Statistics

According to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 30,000 people are killed in fatal car accidents each year in the United States, while more than two million others suffer serious injuries as a result of these accidents. While the locations and specifics about each accident vary, many share one common factor, which is that they occurred as the result of reckless driving behavior. While NHTSA car accident statistics for Illinois indicate that increased public awareness and efforts by law enforcement to crack down on reckless drivers has succeeded in lowering fatalities over the last ten years, there are still close to 1,000 drivers and passengers killed each year in our state, with Will County in particular ranking second highest among counties for fatal driving accidents.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

According to information from the NHTSA, among the most common causes of car crashes and collisions include the following:

• Speeding: NHTSA car accident fact sheets indicate speeding is one of the leading causes behind most accidents and injuries. Both driving above the speed limit as well as driving too fast for conditions are contributing causes in roughly one third of all accidents that occur.  
• Driving Under the Influence: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports that drunk driving is responsible for roughly 80,000 injuries each year, and kills many as 30 people per day.
• Distracted Driving: Whether it is texting, making calls, answering emails, or even changing settings on your GPS device, taking your eyes off the road for even a minute can you and your passengers vulnerable to accidents and injuries.
• Drowsy Driving: According to a CDC report on drowsy driving, being excessively when driving, either as the result of lack of sleep or overwork, can result in slower reflexes, poor judgment, and diminished awareness. Falling asleep while driving is alarming common, and surveys conducted by the CDC indicate as many as one out of every 25 drivers has experienced falling asleep behind the wheel at least once over the prior thirty days.  

Reach Out to Us for Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact Sabuco, Beck, Hansen, Massino & Pollack, PC today. Our experienced Will County car accident attorneys can advise you on how to hold responsible parties accountable for the injuries you have suffered, so that you can get the compensation you need to recover.