Today, we rely on cars to get us everywhere. Whether it is to run our errands to the grocery store or the mall, or it is for taking the kids to school and commutating to work, etc. Statistics say that the average American over the age of 18 spends just over 2 ½ hours in their car on a daily basis. With that much time spent in our vehicles, the possibility of a car accident greatly increases; making our responsibility as a driver to make wise choices on the road even more important. Despite our safe driving, there are still many risks on the road and as a result people are involved in car accidents daily. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors that are essentially caused by the careless ad negligent acts of other people on the road.

Driving under the influence is a common cause of car accidents, and often times fatalities. Those who choose to get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol are placing not only themselves at risk, but also anyone else who is on the road. When a person is drunk they are slower to react to the changes on a road such as light changes, other drivers, etc. Their ability to make judgment calls is severity impaired making them a danger to others. The likelihood of a drunk driver speeding and acting reckless greatly increases and therefore everyone in their car is at risk along with any vehicles or pedestrians who come in their way.

Defective products and design failures are another common cause of dangerous car accidents. For example, just this past year there were numerous vehicle recalls for bug concerns such as brake malfunctions or the pads wearing out too quickly, or unintentional acceleration in which the driver does not have the ability to control their car or slow down; feeling as though a brick is controlling the gas pedal. As drivers, we place our very life in the hands of the vehicle, trusting in the manufactures to have created a trustworthy and safe product. Unfortunately, that is not always the case and many people are severely injured or killed as a result.

Distracted drivers are becoming more and more a cause for car accidents these days. While this includes distractions such as children in the back seat, attempting to eat our dinner on the drive home from work, or ladies doing their makeup; the biggest concern is the issues of texting while driving. According to statistics in 2010 there were over 1.3 million distracted driving car crashes for drivers using their cell phones, most often texting. When a driver is behind the wheel, in order to be "all there" it requires specific attention in 3 manners: manual, cognitive, and visual.

First, manual means that they are actually handling the car with hands on the steering wheel. Next, cognitive means that the driver needs to have their mind actually focused on what is in front of them, not on other thoughts. Lastly, visual awareness is essential when controlling a vehicle that weighs tons, and the moment a drivers eyes are removed from the road and down to their cell phone for even a moment lives are now at risk. What many people don't realize is that a text message takes about 4 seconds to write and within that time period a car traveling at 65 mph has crossed the length of 4 basketball courts. A lot can happen in that "brief" moment of a text.

Sleepy drivers are another danger on the road, and a cause of car accidents. While there are no blood tests that can prove a driver was exhausted behind the wheel, studies do show that their sleepiness is just as dangerous as a drunk driver on the road. Both drivers are equally less cognitive of their surroundings and have much slower reaction times.

Road rage and aggressive driving is also known to cause many accidents over the years. Those drivers you see going thirty miles an hour over the speed limit and weaving in and out of traffic are the ones drivers need to be aware of. These are likely the ones who believe their need for speed or their being late to work are worth risking the lives of others on the road. Aggressive driving can lead to extreme accidents with fatal results, especially when they are traveling at dangerous speeds.

If you have been a victim of a car accident and have been severely injured, or you have recently lost a loved one in an accident; don't wait another moment to take legal action. Contact a personal injury attorney in your area to fight for compensation after your injury or wrongful death case!