What Behaviors Contribute to Vancouver Traffic Accidents?

Even the safest of drivers runs the risk of getting into a car accident every time they get behind the wheel of their vehicle. Poor weather, the actions of other motorists, and other circumstances outside of our control create an ever-present risk of traffic accidents, property damage, and injuries.

Although it is impossible to fully predict how the actions of other drivers can potentially put us in harm’s way, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones by practicing defensive driving methods. In this article, we discuss some common behaviors that contribute to collisions in Vancouver and the greater state of Washington.

Distracted Driving

When someone mentions “distracted driving,” most people probably immediately think of a driver that is using their phone while their car is in motion. Although countless car accidents do occur because motorists are using their cellphone while behind the wheel, there are many other forms of distracted driving. Anything that removes a driver’s focus from the road can constitute distracted driving. Some of the more common distractions drivers face on a daily basis include:

Loud, disruptive, or unruly passengers
Unsecured objects or animals in the vehicle
Eating or drinking
Applying makeup
Rubbernecking, or looking away from the road to view an animal, car accident, or something unexpected
Adjusting vehicle controls (eg air conditioning or volume dials) while the car is in motion
Using your vehicle’s electronic systems or a cellphone while driving

Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC notes that distracted driving is one of the more “common causes of car accidents” in the Vancouver region. To reduce your risk of getting into a collision, it’s essential to minimize distractions in your vehicle as much as possible.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs considerably increases a person’s chance of getting into a serious or fatal car accident. As of 2020, almost 30% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. involved a drunk driver, per data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It’s important to keep in mind that even some prescription medications may affect a person’s ability to safely drive or operate heavy machinery. Driving under the influence should always be avoided, as there is always the potential for a serious accident.

Speeding or Reckless Driving

Speeding is a factor in many motor vehicle collisions. The NHTSA notes that approximately one-third of fatal collisions over the previous two decades have involved one or more drivers that were speeding. Although it can be tempting to exceed the speed limit if you are running late to work or an appointment, it is important to follow posted speed limits and drive at a reasonable speed for the roadway conditions. For example, if there is reduced visibility due to heavy rain, it may be prudent to reduce your speed, even when doing so means that you are traveling below the posted speed limit.

Ignoring Traffic Laws

Traffic laws are designed with the welfare of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in mind. Traffic signals, lane markings, speed limits, and motor vehicle laws are designed to control and manage the flow of traffic. Running a red light, performing a rolling stop at a stop sign, and driving on the wrong side of the road are some of the actions that can put a driver or other motorists at risk of harm. Since motorists reasonably expect the drivers around them to follow the rules of the road, any unexpected deviations can prove catastrophic.

Road Rage

Dictionary.com defines road rage as “a fit of violent anger by the driver of an automobile, especially one directed toward and endangering other motorists or pedestrians.” Road rage frequently occurs when the actions of one driver anger or upset another motorist to the extent that they attempt to get revenge on the offending driver. Road rage frequently leads to dangerous situations, as the driver who feels they have been wronged may be willing to break traffic laws or engage in reckless behavior to get back at the other motorist.

Some forms of road rage include:

Swerving in front of another car
Tailgating the vehicle in front of you
Brake checking the car behind you
Blocking other vehicles from passing or maneuvering around you
Yelling or cursing at another motorist
Intentionally striking another person’s car

Although it can be extremely frustrating when someone cuts you off in traffic or tailgates you for no apparent reason, it’s important to always be the bigger person in such a situation. Allow the other driver to safely get around your vehicle and do not engage with them. Doing so keeps you and everyone else on the road safe.

Not Wearing a Seatbelt

Seatbelts are designed specifically to protect the occupants of a motor vehicle in the event of a crash. Since 1968, federal law has made the addition of seatbelts mandatory in new motor vehicles. However, not all individual states require a vehicle’s occupants to wear a seatbelt while the car is in motion. The state of Washington, fortunately, does mandate that all vehicle occupants of age sixteen or older must wear a seatbelt in a “properly adjusted and securely fashioned manner.” Younger vehicle occupants must wear a seatbelt or be securely fastened in an approved child restraint device, as best fits the situation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over half of the drivers and passengers killed in car crashes were not wearing proper seat restraints. Additionally, studies have discovered that seatbelts reduce the risk of death in a collision by approximately 45% and lower the chances of serious injury by 50%. Drivers that do not wear a seatbelt properly are at higher risk of injury and may be prone to engaging in other risky behaviors, such as speeding.

Driving While Fatigued

Driving while tired can lead to severe consequences. A significant portion of the U.S. population is unable to get the recommended seven hours of daily sleep, which can lead to serious fatigue over time. Drivers that are exhausted may exhibit poor decision making, experience microsleep episodes, or have slowed reaction times. Any one of these conditions can lead to an unnecessary collision. It’s important to only drive if you are well-rested and in good health.

Protect Yourself by Practicing Defensive Driving

Every time you get behind the wheel of your car, it’s important to stay alert to your surroundings and minimize distractions. By carefully focusing on the road conditions and being aware of other motorists, you can protect yourself and your passengers. We hope this article helps you and your loved ones enjoy safe travels through the end of 2022 and beyond.