Smartphones and wearable technology such as the new Apple Watch has become an intimate part of our daily lives. As our connection to technology increases, we have more opportunities to be distracted during the most dangerous times of the day.
The following are the most dangerous activities that lead to accidents on our roads, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Top 5 Reasons for California Traffic Incidents
- Distracted Driving. While distracted driving can mean anything from checking on your kids in the back seat to fiddling with the car radio, smartphone use is one of the leading contributors to distraction behind the wheel. The National Traffic Safety Board has launched a website specifically to show the dangers of texting while driving at http://www.distraction.gov.
- Speeding. Thousands of accidents could be avoided annually if drivers followed the speed limit. The California Highway Patrol has estimated around 30 percent of traffic collisions are due to drivers traveling at an unsafe speed.
- Aggressive Driving. Drivers who weave in and out of lanes, tailgate, or do not properly yield a right of way can cause severe and permanent injuries in collisions.
- Impaired Driving. Drinking and driving remains a serious problem all over the country. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, about 30 people across the U.S. are killed every day in an alcohol-related car accident. With some of the country’s toughest DUI laws, the number of alcohol-related fatalities in California remains lower than the national average. To keep it that way, remember to never drink and drive, and never let your friends drive under the influence.
- Driving While Fatigued. Operating a vehicle in a state of drowsiness can be just as lethal as operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. In the U.S., thousands of car crashes are caused each year by “drowsy driving.” Never enter your vehicle if you feel any less than fully alert and aware of weather, traffic, and other driving conditions.