6 Common Causes of Car Accidents and How to Avoid Them

1. Speeding

Speeding is a dangerous form of aggressive driving that substantially increases the risk of accidents. When a vehicle exceeds the designated speed limit, the driver has less time to react to unexpected situations, reducing their control over the vehicle. Faster speeds also make stopping distances longer and increase the force of impact in the event of a crash, which can lead to more severe injuries or fatalities.

• In Michigan, driving too fast for conditions caused over 21,357 accidents in 2023, accounting for about 7.4% of all traffic collisions.
• Speed plays a factor in nearly 1 in 3 fatal traffic accidents.
• Young male drivers between age 15 and 20 have some of the highest rates of speeding linked to fatal crashes.
• Speeding causes about 72% of single-vehicle crashes when the driver loses control.
• Excessive speed is a factor in 19% of fatal accidents and 13.8% of serious injury accidents.

Tips to Prevent Speeding

Reducing speed is one of the most effective ways to prevent crashes and save lives. Here are practical tips to help drivers avoid speeding:

• Give yourself extra travel time. Rushing to your destination increases the temptation to speed.
• Use cruise control. This helps you maintain a steady, legal speed while avoiding traffic violations.
• Adjust your speed for conditions. Slow down in rain, snow, heavy traffic, or low‑visibility situations.
• Stay aware of changing speed limits. Pay attention to posted signs, and be especially mindful in school zones and construction areas.
• Set a defensive driving mindset. Treat the speed limit as a safety baseline, not a target to push above.
• Encourage others to slow down. Model your safe driving, especially for young drivers who statistically are more likely to speed.

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, interacting with passengers, and using in-car technologies. Statistics show just how serious this problem is:

• In 2023, 15,136 traffic crashes were caused by distracted driving in Michigan.
• Nearly 1 in 5 distracted driving accidents involved a lane departure.
• Cellphone use and electronic devices are responsible for over 25% of distracted driving accidents.
• Kent County has the 4th highest number of distracted driving accidents in the state.
• Distracted driving accidents are often related to unsafe stopping distances, reckless/negligent driving, and failure to yield.

Tips for Preventing Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic crashes in Michigan. To stay safe behind the wheel:

• Put away phones and devices. Silence notifications, or activate your phone’s driving mode in the do-not-disturb settings.
• Avoid multitasking. Don’t eat, groom, or adjust navigation while driving.
• Keep conversations short. Limit in-depth discussions that may pull your attention away from the road.
• Stay focused. Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
• Educate others. Talk with teen drivers and others about the risks of distraction.

3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs isn’t only illegal. It’s one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of traffic fatalities and injuries. Despite strict laws, impaired driving continues to claim lives, devastate families, and burden the medical and legal systems. State and national data show that alcohol-impaired driving accounts for a significant portion of fatal crashes across the U.S.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 34 people die each day due to drunk driving, which adds up to 1 life lost every 42 minutes.
• In 2023, Michigan reported 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes and 2,250 drug-involved crashes.
• Of the state’s 1,021 fatal car accidents, 26.6% involved alcohol and 22.5% involved drugs.
• Had-been-drinking (HBD) crashes are highest in the summer between June and August.
• Nearly 20% of drunk driving crashes involve drivers who are under the age of 25.
• Holidays, such as Labor Day weekend, have a higher risk for deadly crashes involving impaired drivers.

Tips for Avoiding Impaired Driving

• Plan ahead before drinking by arranging a designated driver or alternative transportation.
• Use ridesharing services, taxis, or public transit if alcohol consumption is expected.
• Take advantage of community safety programs like AAA’s Tow to Go that are offered during holidays.
• Encourage responsible alcohol consumption, and help friends make smart decisions.
• Educate yourself and others about the legal and ethical implications of DUI, such as license suspension, fines, and criminal charges.
• Stay aware of public service campaigns and targeted enforcement efforts like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

4. Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes running red lights, failing to yield, tailgating, aggressive lane changes, and other unlawful behaviors that endanger everyone on Michigan’s roads. Reckless driving isn’t just a minor traffic violation; it’s a misdemeanor charge based on a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people and property as defined under MCL 257.626. This means the driver consciously engages in dangerous behaviors, such as speeding (25+ mph over the limit), aggressive lane changes, harassing or intimidating other drivers, and intentionally running red lights or stop signs.

• Reckless driving is cited in only 1% of crashes, but it contributes to nearly 10% of traffic-related fatalities.
• Some 96% of drivers aged 19-64 admitted to aggressive behavior in a small survey conducted by AAA.
• General reckless driving is a misdemeanor punished by up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, and 6 points on your license.
• If reckless driving causes an injury, it becomes a felony punished by up to 5 years in prison.
• Felony reckless driving is punished by up to 15 years in prison if the behavior results in a death.

Tips for Defensive Driving

Reducing reckless driving and associated crashes requires a combination of personal responsibility, awareness, and good habits. Here are some defensive driving strategies to help you stay safe on the road.

• Don’t weave through traffic or cut off other drivers to get ahead.
• Avoid racing to beat red lights. It’s safer to approach intersections with caution.
• Look well ahead for brake lights, pedestrians, cyclists, stale green lights, and changing signals.
• Keep at least a 3-second gap between your car and the vehicle ahead to ensure a safe stopping distance.
• If another driver is aggressive, do not engage. Allow them to pass, and maintain a safe distance.
• Yield properly when required; failure to yield is a hazardous action that causes many crashes.

5. Weather Conditions

Michigan’s harsh winter weather contributes to a high number of crashes, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed for conditions. Adverse weather, including rain, snow, fog, slush, and icy conditions, can reduce visibility, affect traction, and make it difficult to control your vehicle safely. Navigating challenging weather conditions requires drivers to reduce speeds, be more attentive, and adapt their behavior.

• According to the Michigan State Police, 30,786 winter-weather crashes were reported between 2022 and 2023.
• Fifty-nine fatal crashes were reported during the season, which runs from October 1 through April 30.
• Single-vehicle crashes account for 54% of winter weather crashes, followed by rear-end accidents (15%) and angle crashes (10.8%).
• About half of all wintertime accidents occur during daylight hours.
• Excessive speed is the leading cause of winter weather crashes, followed by unsafe stopping distance.
• Vehicles with 4-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive may give operators a false sense of security since they are less likely to skid during acceleration.
• Michigan law requires drivers to maintain a reasonable and proper speed. You can be ticketed for driving too fast for conditions.

Tips for Driving in Inclement Weather

• Check the weather forecast and MDOT traffic cameras before heading out.
• Delay or avoid travel during severe weather, including fog, snow, and ice.
• Keep your tires in good condition.
• Inspect your windshield wipers, and refill the washer fluid.
• Accelerate and brake smoothly to maintain traction.
• Reduce speed in heavy rain to prevent hydroplaning.
• If you lose traction, steer into the skid until you regain control. Avoid overcorrecting.
• Watch out for black ice, especially on bridges and in shaded areas.
• Keep a blanket, shovel, ice scraper, snacks, and emergency supplies on board.
• Give snowplows and highway vehicles extra room, and avoid passing unless directed.

6. Animal- and Deer-Related Collisions

Michigan consistently sees one of the highest rates of animal-vehicle collisions in the United States. This is largely due to its abundant deer population and extensive network of rural two-lane roads. It’s estimated that the state is home to over 2 million deer. These groups are particularly active in the spring from April through June and in the fall from October through January.

• In 2024, Michigan recorded more than 58,000 deer-related traffic crashes.
• These accidents resulted in 1,725 injuries and 19 fatalities.
• Kent County has one of the highest rates of deer-related crashes in the state.
• In 2023, deer-related incidents accounted for 26% of all traffic crashes in the county.
• The townships of Cascade, Walker, Plainfield, and Rockford have some of the highest rates of deer-involved accidents.
• Collisions can occur year-round, but deer activity usually peaks in the fall and early winter.

Tips for Avoiding Deer-Related Accidents

• Be extra vigilant around dusk and dawn, particularly during mating season between October and December.
• Deer often travel in groups. If you see one, there may be more nearby.
• Use high-beam lights when appropriate to increase visibility.
• If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving could cause you to lose control.
• Watch out for deer-crossing signs. Increase awareness and reduce speed in these areas.
• In the event of a crash, move your vehicle off the roadway and contact law enforcement to report the accident.

Staying Safe and Avoiding Common Accident Causes

Car accidents don’t happen by chance. They’re often the result of preventable behaviors and overlooked risks. Whether it’s distracted or reckless driving, impaired judgment, or hazardous weather conditions, every trip has potential risks. As responsible drivers, we need to think about safety every time we get behind the wheel.

Reckless driving only fuels more aggressive behavior on the road, creating a ripple effect that puts everyone at risk. By choosing safe and considerate driving habits, motorists can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents. Slowing down, staying alert, adjusting for conditions, and respecting others on the road all contribute to safer travel for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a careless or reckless driver, contact Barrix Law Firm to see if you’re entitled to compensation.