What Causes Car Crashes?

In the US alone, there are over 6 million car accidents a year, resulting in 40,000 deaths and 3 million injuries. The good news is that many auto accidents can be prevented by using a little of commonsense and heeding simple precautions. Are you guilty of driving no-no's? What is causing all these crashes? Here's a guide.

Distraction - A study found that 80% of all crashes involved "the driver looking away from the forward roadway just prior to the onset of the conflict." This inattention was highest, not surprisingly, amongst 18 to 20-year-olds. And here's an eye-opener - in many cases the driver was using a cell phone.

Most people can't avoid snooping in when they pass by a car accident. You like to slow down to peak at the crash and then slowly drive on, but suddenly without notice a car comes out of nowhere and BAM- you're no longer the spectator of a car crash, you're part of one now. 'Rubbernecking' is a common cause for crashes - in a VCU study, it accounted for about 16% of crashes.

Drowsiness - Do you ever drive after only a few hours of sleep? Do you drive between midnight and 6 a.m.? Maybe you take sedating medications such as antihistamines. If yes, be careful - you might be a victim of drowsy driving. According to the NHTSA, drowsiness causes a large number of crashes per year, and is probably underestimated as a crash cause. Those most at risk are males from 16 to 29 years old.

Red means stop - You're coming home from a long day's work. As you approach an intersection, you drift on past the stop sign. You're hit on the side of the car. A 1995 study in urban areas concluded that 22% of crashes involved running a red light (or similar sign). So remember, they're there for a reason.

"Just a few drinks" is responsible for about one death every half hour according to NHTSA. We know you've heard it before, but don't drink and drive. Also avoid getting in a car if you suspect the driver has had something to drink; paying a few extra bucks for a cab may save your life.

Everybody knows they should avoid speeding, but do you really slow down? Not only does speeding give you less time to avoid a crash, but it makes crashes way worse. Other hazards include aggressive driving and weather conditions. Most car crashes are caused by carelessness. Keep these warnings fresh in your mind; maybe next time you'll think twice about reaching for your cell or having that one martini.

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