The tenth leading cause of death in the world is caused by injuries sustained in car accidents. In fact, 1.2 million people around the globe die as a result of getting into a car crash, and around 50 million are injured. At this rate, car accidents are projected to be the third leading cause of injury by 2020.
While much is being done to prevent this from happening, many countries, including Australia are seeing an increase in the number of car accidents. As in other countries, the most common causes of accidents in Australia can easily be prevented.
1. Driving While Feeling Fatigued
Not only do drivers who are too tired have a slower response time, but they can also fall asleep at the wheel. About 20% of road accidents in Australia are caused by driver fatigue. Drivers that are at the greatest risk of driver fatigue include younger drivers, shift workers, and drivers with sleep disorders.
2. Driving Over the Speed Limit
Speeding is a factor in approximately one-third of all road-related deaths. Speed is also the cause of over 4, 000 accident-related injuries. Speeding is especially hazardous because it prevents a driver from stopping or slowing down when necessary.
3. Driving While Distracted
Distracted driving isn’t only about taking the eyes off the road, or hands off the wheel, it can also be caused when drivers take their mind off of driving.
In Australia, the top driver distractions include talking and texting on a mobile phone, adjusting certain settings on the vehicle (like air conditioning), having passengers in the vehicle, and eating, drinking, and smoking. External distractions, such as billboards and pedestrians, is another common cause of car accidents.
4. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
About 30% of all the fatal crashes in Australia are alcohol-related. Many of these fatalities include drivers between the ages of 15 to 29, with summer break and school holidays being the deadliest times on the road.
The Australian government urges drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking to keep a breathalyzer handy. If their BAC is over 0.05, it’s illegal for them to be driving.
The negligence of other drivers on the road can also cause a car accident, resulting in injury or death. According to a car accident lawyer in Perth, car accident injury claims are among the most common types of Motor Vehicle Accident Injury claims (MVA claims) in Western Australia.
