What Was the Biggest Cause of Car Accidents in 2021?

Many people spend almost as much time behind the wheel of their car as they do anywhere else. With the rate of accidents increasing nearly every year, those who are on the road must be mindful and careful every time they get behind the wheel. When you consider that more than 3 million people are injured every year in car accidents on U.S. roads, it is no wonder motor vehicle safety is a major concern for many states and cities. This brings up the obvious question, what were the three leading causes of car accidents last year as reported by the national news?

Distracted Driving: Texting and Talking While Driving

Technology has forever changed the way we look at the world around us. In fact, it has been reported on multiple national news reports that the average daily phone and computer data usage across the United States increased. Studies say it has jumped from 12 GB in March 2019 to 16.6 GB in March 2020 – a 38 percent increase seen across every device category. We live to be on our phones or computers and this has increased instances of distracted driving as more people try to talk, text, and browse online while behind the wheel of a car.

Drunk Driving: Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol

One of the oldest causes for automotive accidents has existed ever since gas-powered cars became a thing. Driving under the influence of alcohol and more recently drugs as well, has led to more auto accidents and vehicle fatalities than anything else. Drinking and driving or getting behind the wheel after doing any sort of drugs or illegal substances is asking for tragic accidents to occur. In 2021, the trend continued with even more DUI-related accidents.

Poor Training: Lack of Good Training and Supervision Behind the Wheel

Driving is a rite of passage for young people and a sign of independence for many senior adults. However, these are some of the most at-risk groups on the road. They are also the ones most likely to not have someone with them to keep them on track and focused on their driving. Teens and young adults want to show off and enjoy the thrill of driving. Seniors want to hold on to that sense of freedom and independence. Both groups can be easily distracted and make mistakes while driving, which, unfortunately, leads to accidents.

Careless and Reckless Driving: Human Error When Driving

Driver error is responsible for 25% of all trucking accidents and a high number of non-commercial vehicle accidents as well. Whether it is fiddling with the radio, talking to someone in the vehicle, daydreaming, eating and drinking, or anything else that takes your eyes off the road, distracted driving is a major risk for everyone on the road. Nothing should be vying for your attention!

Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Sudden Failure of Motor Vehicles While Driving

Most people know that vehicle maintenance and upkeep is very important part of owning a vehicle. However, more and more people are letting vehicle upkeep fall to the wayside. Whether for time and money constraints, laziness, or some other reason, people are not taking care of their vehicles like they used to. Engine problems, tire issues, brake failures, and more can all contribute to accidents on the road and are increasing the rate of injuries and even deaths seen today.

While it is true that accidents are going to happen, there are still certain steps that can be taken to address the biggest issues we see year after year. All it takes is a listen to the national news to see there is still a lot of work left to be done!