Automobile accidents can be the result of various factors. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has classified driver-related causes of accidents into five major categories. Familiarizing oneself with these categories could help in preventing accidents. If, however, you find yourself injured in an auto accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 for professional legal assistance from an experienced attorney.
1. Issues with Sensing and Perception
This category involves instances where the driver was distracted or failed to identify and respond to potential hazards in time, leading to an accident. This could also include cases where visibility was affected by factors like adverse weather conditions. The majority of these accidents could potentially be avoided with more vigilant driving.
2. Predictive Errors
This pertains to instances where the driver miscalculates a gap in traffic, underestimates the speed of another vehicle, or misinterprets another driver’s intentions. By exercising caution and only proceeding when certain of safety, many of these predictive errors could be eliminated.
3. Errors in Decision Making and Planning
When drivers make poor choices, such as speeding, driving too slowly, or following another vehicle too closely, they increase their chances of getting into an accident. Aggressive driving also elevates this risk. Furthermore, behaviors such as speeding not only amplify the likelihood of an accident but also increase the probability of the accident being deadly.
4. Errors in Execution or Performance
This category covers errors made while maneuvering the vehicle, such as overcompensation during a spin or choosing to drive off the road to avoid a collision. These errors could escalate a minor accident into a severe one. Enhancing driver education requirements can effectively reduce the occurrence of these types of accidents.
5. Driver Incapacitation
The last category encompasses accidents caused by drivers who are unfit to operate a vehicle safely due to factors like drug or alcohol impairment, health issues, or drowsiness. The decision not to drive while impaired or sleep-deprived can significantly decrease the chances of accidents in this category.
Although drivers can adopt measures to reduce their likelihood of being involved in a car accident, the risk can never be entirely eliminated. In the unfortunate event of an accident, you can contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 to explore your legal options.
