The Top Causes of Car Accidents in Riverside

As the most populous city in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, Riverside experiences hundreds of collisions each year. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety(OTS), there were almost 2,000 individuals who were wounded or died in traffic accidents in the city. Many of these accidents were a result of speeding, which was responsible for more than 300 accidents.

In addition, alcohol led to 174 individuals being wounded or killed in car accidents. Pedestrian accidents claimed the lives of 100 people, while bicycle accidents claimed the lives of 91 people. And, hit-and-run drivers were responsible for 165 injuries or fatalities. Other factors that contribute to car accidents in Riverside, CA include the following.

1. Driving While Distracted

According to the American Automobile Association’s Traffic Safety Division, distracted driving is responsible for 25% – 50% of all car accidents. Texting, talking on the phone, reading books, reviewing maps, applying makeup, staring at billboards/signage, and communicating with passengers are all examples of distracted driving.

• Solution: Maintain complete concentration while driving.

2. Driving Under the Influence

According to the National Highway Highway Safety Administration, intoxicated drivers were responsible for around 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States in recent years. Drunk driving occurs when a person is under the influence of alcohol while driving.

Drug consumption of marijuana, illegal substances, and prescription medicines can also lead to catastrophic car accidents. This is because drugs and alcohol impair the senses, making it difficult for people to make good judgments or quickly react in the event of an emergency.

• Solution: Don’t drive under the influence of any drug, whether prescribed or not. If you plan to drink alcohol, assign a sober driver ahead of time or prepare to take Uber or Lyft to go home.

3. Excessive Speed and Other Dangerous Driving

Speeding is a major contributor to car accidents. It’s the second most common reason for car accidents. Moreover, it raises the likelihood of accidents and their severity.

Another critical factor that contributes to car accidents is dangerous driving. Reckless driving is defined as driving in a way that puts other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and/or bicyclists in danger. Distracted driving, overspeeding, texting while driving, driving while intoxicated, refusal to yield, failure to follow traffic signals, aggressive tailgating, changing lanes too quickly, and acting aggressively on the roadways are all examples of reckless driving.

• Solution: Stick to the posted speed restrictions and observe the basic speed legislation. Remain calm while driving. Follow all traffic regulations.

4. Weather Conditions

Driving in the rain is hazardous and might result in accidents. Driving conditions can be made much more challenging by heavy rain, hail, snow, ice, high winds, and fog. Furthermore, heavy rains can make the road slippery, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Accidents can also occur when driving at night. Also at night, the low visibility might make it harder to spot other dangers on the road.

• Solution: Make sure you’re paying attention to the road at night. When driving on a deserted road with no streetlights, turn on all of your lights. Also, avoid driving if it’s raining heavily. When vision is not reliable, pull to the side of the road and wait till the weather subsides.

5. Poor Road Maintenance

Potholes are a common source of accidents because they can’t always be avoided. Also, uneven roads and pavement can create rough roadways, making it difficult to steer. Traffic lights and road signs are another major concern; if any of these are broken, accidents are likely to occur.

• Solution: Avoiding faulty roads is almost an impossible task. The city is responsible for maintaining safe roadways. If they neglect to do so, they could be found liable in a car accident.

6. Breaking the Law

Like other dangerous driving, breaking traffic laws is very hazardous. Running a red light is risky and can result in a severe collision. Unfortunately, many people have been guilty of this in the past as a result of distracted driving and other reasons, resulting in car accidents. Also, it’s not safe to tailgate. Although these are fairly obvious, many still break these laws regularly.

• Solution: Even if it seems like no other cars are coming, you can cause a serious accident by running a red light, and you will be breaking the law. Also, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, so you have the time to respond to unexpected turns or brake applications. If you noticed another driver exhibiting these dangerous driving behaviors, keep your distance.

7. Condition of Car

Maintaining the condition of your vehicle is just as important as maintaining safe driving standards. Therefore, oil changes, tuneups, or other car upkeep must be kept up. Even checking tire pressure regularly will go a long way. When you have a flat tire while driving, you may unintentionally swerve. If not managed properly, this can result in an accident.

• Solution: Get your vehicle serviced regularly. Check with your dealership to see how often to get your vehicle serviced, as every make and model has its own requirements.