The 9 main reasons accidents occur: How to avoid them?

According to data provided by the DGT, there were 870 people killed on Spanish roads in 2020.

When we use euphemisms, this high number does not seem as severe as it is; however, when we say that hundreds of families have been left without their loved ones before their time, the context shifts, and the gravity of the situation increases.

Drivers, administrations, and vehicle manufacturers all need to make it their top priority to reduce the number of accidents that occur.

We won’t be able to rid ourselves of a problem that usually stays the same unless we work together.

The only piece of encouraging news is that, as a direct result of the pandemic, we have reached a new all-time low for the number of deaths we have recorded.

What are the most common contributors to vehicular mishaps?

New proactive safety features have been integrated into the design of all vehicles, including motorcycles, to reduce the likelihood of collisions.

In addition, thanks to assessments like EuroNCAP, a significant amount of effort is being put into passive safety to ensure that the vehicle sustains the minor damage possible.

However, we are not driving Panzer tanks; instead, we are in cars that, if they collide at 120 kilometers per hour, will be destroyed.

Because human error is responsible for more than ninety percent of all accidents, we need to thoroughly investigate the root of the issue before finding a solution.

1. Speeding

Do not believe that speed limits were implemented to save lives; instead, they are the direct result of the oil crises, which demanded that vehicle speeds be lowered to reduce fuel consumption.

On the other hand, speeding was the primary contributor to road accidents until recently. In 2019, the Department of Motor Vehicles recorded 5,624 accidents caused by speeding out of 65,062 casualties.

This provides us with an idea of the scope of the problem. On both urban and interurban roads, the mannerisms are precisely the same.

Solution

Regrettably, the number of accidents attributed to this cause has only been reduced through the implementation of coercive measures, such as fines, radars in many stretches, cameras, etc.

And now, we have the conclusive action designed to end exceeding the speed limits: the intelligent speed assistance (ISA) system, which allows the vehicle to control its own speed and set its own limitations.

A network of cameras and global positioning systems will monitor all roads, keep track of the posted speed limits, and automatically apply the brakes if you go over the limit.

2. Not maintaining an appropriate distance

This problem significantly affects us in traffic jams and on crowded roads.

Still, if there is an accident because drivers are not maintaining a safe distance from one another, it will cause even more lines to form.

If we fail to maintain a safe following distance, we will be unable to respond in time if the vehicle in front of us applies the brakes suddenly, and as a result, we will collide with them.

Solution

The square rule must always be applied because the DGT recommends it. What elements make up this whole?

The first digit of the speed that we are traveling at is multiplied by this same digit, and if we are traveling at over 100 kilometers per hour, we use the first two digits of the speed instead of the first digit.

For instance, if we are traveling at 90 kilometers per hour, we need to leave 81 meters of distance; if we are traveling at 120 kilometers per hour, we need to go 144 meters of space.

If we want to do the calculation in seconds, we will leave a distance of two inches between our vehicle and the car in front of us or four inches in conditions with low visibility.

3. Ignoring stop signs and placing other things ahead of safety

We do not have much information to share regarding this infraction, which occurs more frequently than we initially believed.

That is to say, we can say many things, but the reality is that running a stop sign, a yield sign, or even a traffic light is more likely to be the result of a lack of patience on the part of the driver than it is of any other factor.

When we cross a crosswalk, we put the lives of pedestrians in danger, who do not have the same protections we do.

This makes the situation even more dangerous (in fact, they have none). Last but not least, always keep in mind the priority system that is in place at intersections and traffic circles.

Solution

There is no justification for skipping anything or ignoring the priorities set.

When we get behind the wheel, we must remember to keep a level head and be patient.

Even if we believe we can proceed with our journey, we are required to wait for any unanticipated events, stop for one second, and look in any direction where there is a stop sign.

4. Driving in the lane designated for oncoming traffic

It occurred 1,783 times in Spain in 2019, resulting in fatalities each time.

Two primary motivations could lead someone to drive in the opposite lane: the first is to pass the vehicle ahead of them.

We are all aware that there are stretches of road where passing is possible and other bits of the road where it is impossible to pass (broken and continuous lines).

The other factor is a lack of focus or attention.

Since we do not possess precise data, we are always required to exercise the utmost caution because we do not know how much of a percentage corresponds to each one.

Solution

We know that it is a truism that you are only allowed to pass oncoming traffic if it is clear, and we are in a position where we have adequate visibility and room to complete the maneuver.

On the other hand, it is natural to experience a loss of patience and attempt to drive at the limit when faced with a congested road with slow cars and trucks.

Because of this, some roadways feature blind spots; consequently, we should never let our guard down.

Regarding absentmindedness, we will discuss that at another point in the discussion.

5. Consuming more alcohol or other drugs than is legally allowed (or both)

Drinking is frequently connected in people’s minds with partying (or many others).

This problem does not only affect young people, even though they make up the majority of those involved, as we might think; older people are also guilty of committing this offense.

When we use narcotics, not only do we lose the ability to drive safely, but we also lose the ability to respond appropriately.

Each drug has unique effects, some of which can overly stimulate us while others dull our senses.

Solution

In an advertisement for DGT that aired in 1985, the musician Stevie Wonder urged people not to get behind the wheel if they had been drinking.

The effect was successful, and the number of accidents attributed to this cause is decreasing, but none of us should get behind the wheel while under alcohol.

In addition, the police will already be in charge of discouraging you from engaging in activity in recreational areas and at parties.

6. Distractions caused by using a cell phone

The leading cause of death for people traveling on roads worldwide.

When this cancer suddenly showed up, we had just started saving people’s lives, but it won’t go away.

What may appear to be a brief activity at first blush, such as checking a Whatsapp notification or sending an emoticon to a group of friends, can cause us to take our eyes off the road for a sufficient time to cause an accident.

This category also includes using a global positioning system (GPS) or searching for your favorite song.

Solution

Before you get behind the wheel, it is strongly recommended that you switch your mobile device to airplane mode or store it the usual way if you have a hands-free device.

Either the co-driver is responsible for programming the GPS and the playlist, or this task is delegated to them before the trip begins.

7. Dozing off while operating a motor vehicle

Because of the rigid schedules required in the working world, many people must leave their homes already exhausted and return even more exhausted.

When we are on vacation, we force ourselves to travel long distances, ultimately leaving us bare.

Consequently, it stands to reason that one can drive while drowsy and still be responsible for an accident. Because it slows down our reflexes, going while tired but not sleeping is also dangerous.

Solution

Every night, we ought to aim to get the amount of sleep we require to wake up feeling refreshed the following day.

When we feel ourselves beginning to nod off behind the wheel, we put the windows down, pull over to a rest stop, and either get a soda or a Red Bull to keep ourselves awake. Otherwise, we’ll sleep forever.

8. the tires are not in good condition

The only point of contact between the vehicle and the asphalt is the car or truck’s tires because they must be in good condition; the possibility of an accident increases once we have exceeded their useful life.

Because of this, they must be in good condition.

The most common causes of tire failure are damage to the tire itself, an imbalance in the pressure sensors, uneven wear, deterioration of the valves, and other issues.

Solution

When we take the car in for its annual inspection and maintenance, we must tell the mechanics to pay attention to the tires.

We will take all of their suggestions, recommendations, and indications to heart and make adjustments as necessary.

Regarding this vital component of the car, we can’t afford to be cheap. Our lives are at stake.

9. Unfavorable weather

Keep a brave face, even when the weather is terrible. In addition, extreme caution should be exercised while driving when the weather is poor.

Even on freeways with three lanes, drivers have many hazards to contend with.

Rain (from light to heavy storms), hail, fog, snow, slabs of ice, mud, strong gusts of wind, and even the sun, if it blinds us, can all play a trick on us.

When the weather is terrible, it is essential to reduce your speed because there is a higher likelihood of getting into an accident.

Solution

The solution is to reduce speed on all roads, increase the distance we keep between ourselves and other vehicles, and pay closer attention to our surroundings.

If we notice that things are becoming more complicated and that we cannot maintain reasonable driving control, we have no choice but to stop the vehicle immediately.

We should under no circumstances take on the role of the hero.

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