Distracted Driving
Unsurprisingly, distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents across the country. Every single day more than nine people are killed due to distracted driving. A distracted driver is a loose term that ultimately means their undivided attention is somewhere else than the road. Talking and texting is a joint distractor, and a person is 23 times more likely to crash a vehicle while texting and driving. 40% of American teenagers have stated they've been in a car while the driver was using their cell phone. Other distractions most frequently come from other passengers in the vehicle, food, or a pet. It's always important to stress that the driver's only job is to keep their eyes on the road ahead.
Speeding
When driving on a road or freeway, driver's often weave through the traffic for fun, even though everyone is going the speed limit. It is not unusual to see people driving twenty miles over the posted speed limit. It is essential to factor that the faster one goes, the more time it will take to slow down & reaction time is shortened. 40% of car accidents occur at an intersection, reported by the US Department of Transportation. Impatience is deadly, with most drivers speeding through a red light or stop sign.
Drunk Driving
Any person who drinks and gets behind the wheel is a danger to themselves and all others on the road. When you drink, your senses and cognitive functions are dulled as time goes on, as well as reaction times and decision-making capabilities. "Every day, about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that's one person every 52 minutes. In 2019, these deaths reached the lowest percentage since 1982 when NHTSA started reporting alcohol data — but still, 10,142 people lost their lives. These deaths were all preventable."
There are other reasons for car accidents that aren't a direct result of someone's driving actions, including the weather. Our tires go through a lot of stress and strain; given the colder months ahead, slippery roads, snow & ice can affect one's tire traction. Without safe tires with plenty of tread, the risk of sliding out or rolling increases. Each year, about 11,000 tire-related crashes occur. Many wrecks result from either tire underinflation or worn-down tread. Experts also estimate that 200 people die annually from tire-related accidents. At Walt's Auto Service, tire service, balance, repair, and rotation are just one of the many things we specialize in. Please keep your safety a priority and call today to schedule a tire inspection.
Even though this October blog wasn't the most cheerful, we hope you still recognize the importance of the topic. We all have a part to play to keep our roads safe; please share this information with any new drivers you may know, or if you're a parent, perhaps go over the statistics with your younger drivers; it may help. We hope this blog has inspired you to schedule an appointment to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape for the upcoming fall season. When you bring your vehicle to Walt's Auto Service in Torrance, you are sure to receive the very best auto repair services for your money, so make your appointment with us today!