Common Conditions That Lead to Traffic Accidents

Certain environmental conditions have a significant impact on the likelihood that someone will experience a car accident. However, the decisions a driver makes in response to these conditions can mean the difference between safe passage and getting into a devastating traffic incident. This article discusses the most prominent causes of traffic accidents.

Environmental Conditions

Environmental factors that contribute to car accidents involve road surface conditions and visibility. For example, weather such as rain and snow can affect the surface conditions of the road. Rain and ice can cause road surfaces to be very slippery. Weather can also erode road asphalt, leading to dangerous potholes.

Extreme weather can also cause road obstructions. Furthermore, weather and lighting can substantially reduce driving visibility. Precipitation and fog tend to make seeing out of one’s windshield very difficult. As a result, the likelihood that someone can identify a hazard and take steps to avoid it decreases dramatically.

Human Factors

While environmental conditions have a fundamental impact on the risk of getting into an accident, the choices that drivers make in response to these conditions tend to be the deciding factor when it comes to avoiding or experiencing a traffic collision. According to data compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there was approximately a 5.6% increase in nationwide car accident fatalities between 2015 and 2016.

The NHTSA identified five major issues of human behavior that can contribute to fatal car accidents:

  • Failure to wear seat-belts
  • Speeding
  • Alcohol intoxication
  • Distractions
  • Drowsy driving

Between 2015 and 2016, there was a 4.6% increase in unrestrained passenger fatalities across the country – raising the death toll from 9,968 to 10,428. In the same span of time, there was a 4% increase in speeding-related deaths and 1.7% increase in alcohol-impaired driving deaths. Fatalities involving distracted driving dropped from 3,526 to 3,450 – a 2.2% decrease. Drowsy driving fatalities also decreased by 3.5% from 832 deaths in 2015 to 803 in 2016.

Injured in a Car Accident? Consult Our Montana Auto Accident Attorneys

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we have years of invaluable experience handling various personal injury issues including car accident cases. Our experienced team of lawyers collaborate closely with managing partner Alexander “Zander” Blewett III, who was the only lawyer in Montana named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America in 2019. Our clients benefit from our dedication to effective results-oriented legal advocacy that also focuses on their individualized needs – and so can you.

Contact Hoyt & Blewett PLLC online or call our office at (406) 233-1302 to arrange a consultation exploring your legal rights and options today.