Causes and Effects of Traffic Accidents Traffic accidents can be caused by a
number of factors,including equipment malfunction as well as the actions of the
driver,such as speeding or aggressive behaviors like tailgating or unsafe lane
changes. The consequences of traffic accidents depend on variables such as the
impact,number of vehicles involved and if vehicle occupants were protected by
safety belts and/or air bags. Distracted Drivers Distracted driving involves any
nondriving activity that causes drivers not to pay full attention to their
driving,including manual,visual and cognitive activities. Drivers that take
their hands off of the wheel to turn the radio station,send text messages,eat or
groom them increase their risk of causing traffic accidents. Talking on cell
phones or other passengers,looking at a map or using a navigational system are
all distractions that cause traffic accidents as well. According to the National
Highway Transportation Safety Administration Autolink
AL619 Scanner,nearly all of the traffic accidents in 2008 were caused by a
type of distraction,and younger drivers under the age of 20 have the highest
rate of fatal crashes that were distraction-related autel
maxisys pro. Impaired Drivers and Driver Fatigue Drivers under the influence
of alcohol cause traffic accidents because their judgment is impaired and they
are not able to quickly react in certain driving situations. Certain drugs and
prescribed medications taken by drivers can also affect their ability to drive.
Driver fatigue is another cause of traffic accidents occurring typically between
11 . and 8 . when most drivers are used to being asleep. Driving while tired can
result in drivers not paying attention to vehicle speed,allowing the vehicle to
drift over road lines,daydreaming or dozing while driving. Weather Conditions
Inclement weather is another factor causing traffic accidents. Heavy
rain,snowstorms or hail can decrease the visibility of drivers and cause them to
misjudge the distance of other vehicles surrounding them. Driving through thick
fog too fast may not allow drivers enough time to stop when approaching another
vehicle. Road conditions as a result of the weather can cause roads to become
slick and slippery,such as after ice storms and heavy rains,which may cause
vehicles to slide and make it difficult to come to a complete stop. Effects of
Traffic Accidents Traffic accidents can cause physical,financial and mental
effects for everyone involved. Drivers and passengers can suffer from minor cuts
and bruises to broken limbs,whiplash,back and spinal injuries,paralysis and even
death. Vehicles in traffic accidents are damaged and may be in need of minor or
costly repairs or may even be completed totaled and no longer drivable.
Additional effects of traffic accidents can include emotional and mental
distress as people can suffer from post-traumatic stress from being involved in
the accident or from losing a loved one due to a traffic accident.
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