Many thousands of motorists nationwide die or suffer catastrophic life-altering injuries on roads nationwide each year. More than 140 million people in the United States commute in various types of vehicles each day. The risks are exacerbated by the millions of pedestrians and cyclists sharing the country’s roads with vehicles of all sizes. The fact that most accidents are preventable is a matter of concern.
In New Orleans and elsewhere, many of these deaths result from five bad driving habits. Despite safety campaigns to create awareness of the potential consequences of bad driving habits, preventable accidents continue to claim or change lives.
Studies revealed that the following bad driving habits cause the majority of car accidents:
Aggressive driving
The fast pace of life is likely to blame for the high number of aggressive driving-related accidents.
Distractions
Along with cellphones, dozens of non-driving related activities cause the loss of many lives — not only drivers but passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Congestion
Increased numbers of vehicles use the roads that were never designed for the volumes of traffic they carry. More and more people choose to walk or cycle instead of traveling by car, which puts additional pressure on roads designed for vehicular traffic only.
Impaired driving
No longer is alcohol the primary cause of impairment. A significant percentage of death and severe injury accidents are linked to prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Road conditions
Many drivers do not understand that speed limits are for perfect conditions. When conditions like weather changes, congested traffic, roads in disrepair or road construction zones are present, drivers should reduce speed.
New Orleans drivers, vehicle occupants, cyclists or pedestrians who suffer injuries in motor vehicle accidents might have viable claims damage recovery. If the plaintiff can establish negligence on another driver’s part, a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit might yield a monetary judgment to cover financial and emotional damages.