Causes of Road Accidents and Best Way to Avoid

Studies show that most new drivers will be involved in an accident within the first 6 months of driving. In Nevada, there were 325 fatalities in 2015, an increase of 11.7% over the previous year.

95% of all accidents are caused by driver error. There are seven errors that drivers make that cause accidents:

1. Vision errors
2. Failure to yield the right of way
3. Improper speed adjustments
4. Poor judgment of distance or space
5. Inadequate or improper vehicle control
6. Improper signals
7. Sudden actions to avoid objects

If you encounter a hazard, 95% of all hazards can be handled with the first two options.

1. Change speed
2. Change position
3. Combination of speed and position

So what’s the best way to stay out of accidents?

• Have space for your vehicle
• Visibility for the driver
• Time to respond to the problem ahead

Author. Rich Heinrich,

Master Instructor, Emeritus