What Are the Top Causes of Car Accidents?

Stephanie | June 8, 2026 | Car Accident

Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 6 to 7 million motor vehicle crashes are reported across the United States. Understanding the most common causes of these accidents can help you better protect yourself on the road. While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, you can take steps to reduce your own risk. Below are five of the most common causes of car accidents, why they happen, and practical ways to stay safer behind the wheel.

I Was Injured in a Car Accident. What Lawyer Do I Call?

If you’ve been in a car accident, contact our Maryland personal injury lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC for a free consultation 24/7 by calling us at (301) 720-1309 or filling out our online form. During your consultation we will:

• Review the facts and evidence, including:
  • The date, time, and location of the accident
  • Cause of the accident
  • All parties involved, and whether any witnesses were present
  • The police report
  • Photos, videos, or other evidence of the scene
  • The extent of your injuries and symptoms, medical treatment received, and any future treatment recommendations
  • Time missed from work, lost income, and any future lost income
  • The impact of the injuries on your daily life and activities
  • Actions or negligence by the other party that may have led to the incident
  • Deadlines that could affect your right to file a claim
  • Determine if another party is at-fault and if you have a strong case.
  • Discuss the next steps for your claim

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is extremely dangerous, because it takes your eyes off the road. This includes, texting, eating, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, or using GPS. Distracted driving has become a leading cause of car accidents in recent years as more than “eight people are either killed or injured daily in incidents reported as distraction-related crashes in the United States.” When your attention isn’t fully on the road, and you’re focused on something else while driving, your reaction time slows, and your ability to judge speed, distance, and surrounding traffic is significantly reduced. Even a quick glance at the phone or trying to pick something up on the floor can lead to collisions that unfortunately could have severe or fatal consequences.

Speeding

Many of us have been in a hurry to get somewhere, but speeding or driving too fast for road conditions reduces your reaction time and increases both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries. Driving at high speeds, especially on sharp turns or in poor weather conditions, affects your ability to safely navigate curves and respond to sudden obstacles. Collisions involving speeding are often much more severe because the force of impact increases significantly as speed increases.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol isn’t just illegal, but could also be fatal. Impaired driving affects judgment, coordination, reaction time, and vision. Despite widespread awareness and severe legal consequences, impaired driving takes thousands of lives annually. Here are some tips on how you can reduce your risk of a drunk driving accident:

• If you plan to drink, make sure you have a safe ride home. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or call a taxi.
• Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs.
• Be aware that some prescription and over-the-counter medications can also impair your ability to drive safely so be sure to read the prescription label or consult with your doctor.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving isn’t just careless. It’s extremely dangerous, putting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at serious risk. Behaviors like weaving through traffic, tailgating, making unsafe lane changes, and ignoring traffic laws all increase the chances of a serious crash. The consequences of reckless driving can range from steep fines and license suspension, to criminal charges if a collision results in injury or death. When driving, one split-second decision can cause a life-changing accident.

Weather Conditions

During Maryland summers, drivers often face hazardous weather conditions that can quickly make roads more dangerous. High heat and humidity can contribute to vehicle issues such as tire blowouts and engine overheating, especially during long drives or stop-and-go traffic. Sudden summer thunderstorms are also common, bringing heavy rain that reduces visibility and creates slick road surfaces that increase the risk of hydroplaning. These road conditions mean drivers need to take extra caution by paying attention to the speed limit, increasing following distance, and being a defensive driver to help prevent accidents.

How to Stay Safe On the Road

While you can’t control other drivers, you can control how you drive. Put your phone away, stay within speed limits, never drive impaired, and adjust your driving to match weather and road conditions when they become unsafe. Being aware of the most common causes of car accidents and practicing defensive driving, this can minimize risk of causing a crash.

Injured in a Car Accident in Maryland? Alpert Schreyer, LLC Offers a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC. Contact us today for a free case consultation so we can review your case, explain your legal options, and discuss next steps.

We have offices in Waldorf, Rockville, Lanham, and Frederick, and proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, Calvert County, Frederick County, St. Mary’s County, County, Charles County, all of Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

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