Dallas roads are some of the most dangerous in the nation, seeing thousands of car and truck accidents each year. Some of these accidents are minor but many cause catastrophic injury and death. Some of the riskiest Dallas highways include the LBJ Freeway, Woodall Rodgers Freeway, I-35W, I-45, and State Highway 360. But car accidents can happen anywhere. Driving is a normal part of everyday life for many Dallas residents. However, it can be dangerous to get behind the wheel. If you’ve been involved in an accident, consulting a Dallas car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. Knowing the top causes of Dallas car accidents can also help you stay more vigilant and safe when driving.
Distracted Driving
When a driver is distracted, they make the roads unsafe for us all. Driver distractions contribute to an increased chance of accidents and even fatalities on Dallas highways. The National Safety Council categorizes distracted driving as either visual, manual, or cognitive distraction. There are numerous ways drivers can be distracted and cause a car accident.
- Eating and Drinking. When drivers consume food or drink while driving, they are less focused on the road which can cause reaction time delays and unsafe driving.
- Cell Phone Use. When drivers are focused on texting, dialing numbers, using apps, and reading messages on their phones, they are dangerous to themselves, their passengers, and everyone on the road with them.
- Visual Distractions. Billboards, accidents on the road, pedestrians, and bicyclists can all cause the driver to look away from the road in front of them.
- Car Technology. GPS systems, infotainment systems, and other in-car technologies can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
- Passengers. When talking or arguing with your passengers, you may be distracted and your attention diverted from the road and driving safely.
It’s easy to think that one quick text or use of in-car technology is no big deal. However, these distractions cause thousands of collisions each year.
Drunk Driving
We all know that being drunk and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle is illegal and extremely dangerous. However, drivers sometimes try to rationalize driving after having only a small amount of alcohol. Drunk driving kills thousands of people every year. No matter how little alcohol you think you have consumed, you are likely impaired. Make a commitment to never drive after drinking alcohol.
Drug Impairment
Alcohol is not the only drug that leads to Dallas car accidents. Using recreational drugs, as well as some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause you to be impaired. Never drive after using recreational drugs and check with your doctor or pharmacist about all prescribed and non-prescription medications first.
Driver Fatigue
Driving when you are drowsy or tired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk or drugged. Loss of sleep, driving between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., and driving long periods without a break can make you fatigued and impair your reaction times.
Aggressive or Reckless Driving
Aggressive driving can take many forms. It may involve speeding, erratic lane changes, tailgating, sudden braking, running red lights, and more. These types of behavior are dangerous for all drivers and can even escalate to road rage in which drivers have physical altercations outside of their vehicles. Any type of aggressive driving can be the cause of a Dallas car accident. Reckless driving in Texas is when a driver has a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property.” An example of reckless driving could be driving at excessive speeds or passing in no-passing zones.
Failure to Yield
Many car accidents in Dallas are caused by drivers failing to properly yield when changing lanes, entering traffic circles, turning, or at stop signs. This may be caused by driver inexperience or confusion over the right-of-way rules and by impatient, or hostile drivers.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents in Dallas. With so many fast-moving interstates and highways running through the city, excessive speed is a frequent occurrence. Speeding can be a type of aggressive behavior but sometimes is caused from a driver being late for a meeting, or just being impatient. Regardless of the reason for speeding, it can lead to devastating injuries and even fatalities.
Weather Conditions
Bad weather can also contribute to car accidents in Dallas. Drivers in the city often travel at high rates of speed through rain, wind, and fog which can create hazardous conditions. During the winter months, Dallas can see its share of ice and snow which can make roads slippery and may limit visibility. Slowing down and allowing extra distance between vehicles and braking gently during ice and snow conditions may help prevent some accidents.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Another significant cause of car accidents in Dallas is poor road conditions. Road factors that can cause harm to drivers and lead to accidents and injuries include:
- Uneven surfaces which may be caused by poor road maintenance can make it difficult to maintain control of a vehicle and lead to car accidents.
- Potholes are a common problem on Dallas roads that can also lead to loss of control and car crashes.
- Lack of clear and visible signage in Dallas may confuse drivers and lead to sudden lane changes, missed exits, and wrong turns, which increase the chance of accidents.
- Poor lighting on some Dallas roads can make it harder to see potential hazards and road signs, making a car wreck more likely.
- Dallas usually has lots of road construction projects in progress. These can lead to hazardous conditions for drivers, including uneven surfaces, changes in traffic patterns, and reduced lane size, all of which can increase the chance of having a car accident.
Mechanical Failure
Vehicle defects are the cause of some car accidents in Dallas. Mechanical failures and automobile defects can also make collisions more severe even if they do not directly cause the accident. According to NHTSA, about 5 percent of all car accidents in the U.S. are due to vehicle factors. It is essential that you regularly check your vehicle and properly maintain it. If you receive any notice of a vehicle or equipment recall, adhere to the notice’s instructions and take your car in for repair. You can also check for recalls by visiting the NHTSA website. If you have been injured in a Dallas car accident, the Dallas personal injury attorneys at Bush & Bush Law Group can help you. Call us today at (469) 977-7777 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.