According to the Michigan State Police, there were almost 80,000 injuries caused by automotive crashes in 2016, while 1064 people lost their lives. These statistics illustrate why driving can be quite dangerous at times. And accidents can happen to anyone at any age, from a senior driver with decades of experience to teenage drivers just getting started. Here are five of the top causes for automotive accidents in the state of Michigan:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can come in many forms, including talking on a cell phone, texting, putting on makeup, eating a hamburger, changing the radio station and even yelling at the kids. Anything that diverts the driver’s attention away from the road can cause an accident.
Drunk Driving
Intoxicated driving happens when someone is trying to drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Either type of intoxication diminishes a driver’s ability to drive safely and to react to unexpected situations while on the road. Intoxicated driving remains one of the biggest reasons for Michigan car fatalities.
Poor Weather
Bad weather driving requires more attention and care than driving under normal conditions. Michigan gets a lot of rain, snow and ice. Drivers need to use a great deal of caution in these conditions. Vehicles can react in unexpected ways when brakes are wet from rain, snow decreases traction or ice makes the roads slick. If a driver cannot handle the tough driving conditions, accidents can happen.
Speeding
Excessive speed makes it difficult for drivers to react to unexpected traffic conditions. Plus, it takes longer to stop a vehicle that is going at a high rate of speed. That being that, if traffic slows down unexpectedly, or a pedestrian runs out into the street, a speeding driver could easily fail to stop in time.
Drowsy Driving
Falling asleep behind the wheel can occur due to lack of sleep or use of alcohol/drugs. Many drivers find themselves tired after a long drive or while trying to drive at night. A tired driver can easily fall asleep and lose control of the vehicle, hitting pedestrians, other vehicles and even structures.
When someone is in an accident, the first thing to do is call for help. Those with injuries need medical attention. The police will need to take a report and may issue citations where necessary. For those involved in an accident, seeking experienced legal representation is critical to avoid making mistakes when talking with the insurance companies. Trust the car accident attorneys at Michigan Legal Center to provide adequate legal representation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.