Is Driver Error the Leading Cause of Traffic Accidents? Florida Attorney Explains

Driver error accounts for 94 percent of traffic accidents in the U.S.
Palm Beach, FL- In 2014, almost 12,000 people were killed and 1.2 million in traffic accidents in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those fatal and injurious accidents can have a myriad of causes, but which one is more common? Are mechanical failures the leading cause of accidents? Or, is inclement weather?  As it turns out neither mechanical failure nor inclement weather is the primary causes of fatal or injurious traffic accidents in the U.S. The leading cause is driver error. Here, USAttorneys will discuss driver error and what it means for your accident claim.
First, it’s important to understand that federal agencies break down the causes of traffic collisions into four categories which are: drivers, mechanical problems, environment and unknown. Of those four categories, driver error is the most common accounting for the bulk of crashes. In their 2015 Fatal Causation Study, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that 94 percent of auto accidents are caused by an error on behalf of a driver.
If you are the victim of an accident, and another motorist was responsible, we recommend you contact an accident lawyer in Palm Beach, Florida and allow them to work on your injury or wrongful death claim, so you have a better chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
If you are injured in a traffic accident, we recommend you get legal advice immediately and ensure your interests are protected.
So, what is driver error?  Driver error simply means that a driver made a mistake that led to an accident. Bad weather is out of the control of drivers, and some mechanical failures can’t be helped, but most driver error accidents are completely preventable. The list of errors a driver can make is extensive, but the top three are driving while impaired, speeding and distracted driving.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety, drunk driving collisions occur once every 51 minutes in the U.S. Drunken and impaired driving accounts for one-third of fatal accidents, so it’s a huge problem. A driver who is impaired is incapable of reacting appropriately to the changing conditions on the road. These drivers have slowed motor functions, poor vision, and bad judgment, so they are more likely to crash than a sober driver.
Distraction is another common driver error and growing road safety crisis. In a recent study, the National Safety Council (NSC), found that 25 percent of car accidents in the U.S. are caused by a motorist using their cell phones behind the wheel. Florida law allows drivers to use their cell phones even when they are driving but bans texting and driving.
Have a local accident lawyer investigate your accident and determine the cause.
Speed is the third leading cause of catastrophic accidents. In the modern age, people are always in a hurry and don’t pay attention speed limits, but speed can be the catalyst for an accident and make the impact worse.
If you are an accident victim, you need to speak with a legal professional. USAttorneys can help you find a local attorney to assist you with your injury claim. We have an experienced and dedicated team in Palm Beach, Florida who will work to get the best settlement possible. Contact a lawyer near you and arrange a case evaluation.