As a careful and conscientious driver, you may never expect to be injured in a Rhode Island car accident. However, even the best drivers cannot control or always predict the actions of the people around them. For this reason, it is vital that all drivers know the most common causes of car accidents, so they can avoid engaging in bad driver behavior and watch for early signs of danger from other drivers. If you do find yourself involved in a crash, speaking with a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Driver Behaviors That Are Likely to Cause a Crash
A car accident usually involves some form of driver negligence. According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common types of driver negligence include:
Distractions.
Any action that takes a driver’s focus off the road can be considered a distraction, but the most common driver distraction is the use of cell phones. Although Rhode Island law prohibits drivers from using mobile phones, many people continue to send text messages, make and take calls, and even post on social media while driving. To learn how Rhode Island laws protect against reckless and distracted driving, it's important to understand the specific regulations in place and how they are enforced to reduce dangerous behavior on the road.
Reckless driving.
Actions such as speeding, running a stoplight, tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, or driving too fast for weather conditions can all place other road users at risk.
