5 Traffic Violations That Commonly Lead to Car Accidents

 Posted on September 26, 2023 in Car Accident

Driving is something most people do every day. Because we spend so much time behind the wheel, it is easy to forget the dangers that can affect people on the road. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in car accidents, and many of these accidents occur because of traffic violations. If you have been the victim of an accident, and you believe that another driver was at fault because they violated traffic laws, an experienced attorney can help you determine your options for seeking compensation.

Dangerous Traffic Violations That Can Cause Injuries to Others

Because driving is a routine, daily activity, many people fail to take the proper steps to stay as safe as possible while behind the wheel. Traffic violations can range from simple acts of carelessness to aggression and risk-taking, and they can put others at risk of being seriously injured in an accident. Some of the most common violations that put people at risk include:

• Distracted driving: One of the most dangerous issues affecting people on the road today is the failure of drivers to fully pay attention to driving. Although phones are one of the primary distractions that currently affect drivers, other activities, such as eating, grooming, and using a GPS, can also take a driver’s attention away from the road. When driving, people should always keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the steering wheel, and they should remain focused on driving safely. Even if there is a momentary distraction, a few seconds of inattention can have deadly consequences.

• Running red lights or stop signs: Traffic signs and signals are there for a reason, and they help ensure that people can travel through intersections safely while avoiding collisions. Drivers who proceed through intersections without stopping or checking to make sure the road is clear may collide with other vehicles or pedestrians, resulting in serious injuries. T-bone collisions are common in situations where drivers disobey traffic signals or do not take care to avoid other vehicles. 

• Speeding: Speed limits are meant to ensure that drivers can navigate roads safely while avoiding collisions and being able to slow down when necessary. When traveling at higher speeds, drivers will have less time to react to any potential hazards, and they may lose control when attempting to negotiate curves or swerve around other vehicles. Drivers who disobey speed limits may be unable to slow down in time to avoid a collision with a vehicle that has stopped in front of them or a pedestrian who is crossing the road.

• Tailgating: Drivers may follow other vehicles too closely because they are in a hurry, because they want to pass someone who they believe is traveling too slow, or out of aggression. This can greatly increase the chances of a rear-end collision, since a driver who is tailgating will not have enough space to slow down when necessary.

• Driving under the influence: Intoxicated driving is a major safety concern, and all drivers should be aware of the risks of attempting to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk drivers experience issues such as blurred vision, delayed reaction times, and problems with bodily coordination. These issues make it highly likely that they will cause serious injuries to others in accidents. Because of this, drivers who violate the law by drinking or using drugs before getting behind the wheel may be held responsible for the harm they cause to others.

Contact Our Frisco Car Accident Attorneys

Everyone should be able to share the road safely with other vehicles, but drivers who violate traffic laws can put others at risk of suffering serious harm. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a driver who engaged in unsafe behavior, you will want to understand your legal options. At Burress Injury Law, our Collin County car accident lawyers can help gather evidence showing that another driver was responsible for causing a collision. We will work with you to pursue compensation from all available sources, ensuring that you will be able to make a full recovery. Contact us at 214-726-0016 to set up a free consultation today.