Our Springfield, Missouri car accident attorneys know from experience that the vast majority of crashes are preventable: they don't have to happen. To help Springfield drivers avoid being involved in car accidents, we've put together this list of 15 common causes.
1.Distracted Driving. We never cease to be amazed at the number of accidents that happen simply because drivers aren't paying attention to the road. These accidents are among the easiest to prevent: just put away your cell phone, your make up kit, and your lunch. Don't fiddle with the radio, or turn around to talk to backseat passengers. When you drive, just drive.
2.Speeding. When an accident involves a speeding driver, the impact of the collision is increased - and it follows that resulting damages and injuries will be considerably more severe.
3.Drunk Driving. It's old news that drinking and driving are a deadly combination, but Missourians are still arrested for DWI every single day. So, we'll say it again: don't drink and drive, ever. And remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.
4. Reckless Driving. Don't speed, tailgate, or change lanes too quickly. There are a number of driver excuses for this behavior ("I was running late"; or "She was going 25 in a 45"; or "There was only a small gap and I had to change lanes"): none of them are worth having an accident over.
5. Rain, Snow & Ice. If roads are hazardous, slow down. You will need extra time to stop, and to turn safely, and to change lane, and, frankly, to perform nearly all driving maneuvers. If you can't see - or if you don't feel safe - find a good place to pull over.
6. Running Red Lights & Stop Signs. If the light is yellow and you haven't reached the "point of no return," stop. (Even if you have the green light, it never hurts to keep your eyes open.)
7. Teenage Drivers. Teens are inexperienced and easily distracted. Share this list with your teenage drivers, and remind them how important it is to drive responsibly.
8. Night Driving. Slow down at night. Don't overdrive your headlights.
9. Design Defects. Be sure you keep track of safety recall information for your family's vehicles. You can use www.recalls.gov as a resource.
10. Unsafe Lane Changes. Take your time and wait until you have sufficient space. Plan ahead, but if you miss a turn or exit, continue forth and turn around in a safe place.