Causes of Road Accidents in Australia

Every day, hundreds of road traffic accidents happen across the country. It is our responsibility to take care not only of ourselves but also to be keen for others. Driving is an experience where we can test our ability on how we comply with the road signs. Going to work, school, or on a vacation using your vehicle is a big convenience for drivers: not only can they sit comfortably without disturbing others, they can also freely do what they want during the entire trip. But are we knowledgeable enough to know the consequences if we fail to comply with the road signs? Recklessness is one of the behaviours a driver must avoid, because it can lead to a dangerous accident resulting in serious injuries.

Car accidents in Australia occur for a variety of reasons. For your safety, we have listed below five of the most common causes of car accidents in Australia, so you can avoid the danger and the damage.

1. Speeding

Speeding is dangerous for everyone. It is the number 1 cause of fatal car accidents in Australia. Every time you overtake a car or attempt to get ahead on a freeway, you are likely to be speeding without being cautious about what happens next. Consider a regular check on your speed and slow down for appropriate roads, especially in poor weather conditions; increase your visibility by turning on the headlights and hazard lights. Make sure to reduce speed in areas with pedestrians or livestock activity, and at night, to avoid any accident.

2. Intoxication or driving under the influence

Being intoxicated while driving is another major cause of fatal road accidents in Australia. Alcohol affects your ability to control movement, reduces light sensitivity and can give you blurred vision that leads to inaccuracies and reckless driving. Insisting on driving while under the influence of alcohol puts not only yourself at risk, but also your passengers, other drivers, property on the road and pedestrians. When you think that you can’t drive, it is best to call a friend to drive you home, as drunk drivers become a serious threat on the road.

3. Not wearing seatbelts

Buckle up! People who refuse to wear seatbelts simply don’t understand the forces generated by an accident. Failing to wear a seatbelt doesn’t cause fatal accidents, but it is responsible for fatal wounds in a high proportion of car accidents. Wearing a seatbelt that is properly adjusted reduces the risk of serious injuries by 50 percent. Not wearing a seatbelt might not be the cause of an accident, but it does have an impact on the chances of a death occurring. Safety first: when you buckle up, make sure everyone around you buckles up too.

4. Fatigue or drowsiness

Driving while fatigued or drowsy is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Most people are unaware of just how bad their driving is, as fatigue impacts the ability to think straight. To avoid road accidents, it is best to take a nap for 20 to 30 minutes, as this can improve alertness. If you are on a long drive, consider stopping for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 hours. A caffeinated drink can also help ease drowsiness. Make sure you have enough energy, or someone you can switch driving with, for a better and more relaxed journey ahead.

5. Distraction

Just focus on driving! Being distracted is a common cause of road accidents and has been added to the leading causes of death on Australian roads. Distractions include looking at your phone, your passengers, removing your hands from the wheel, eating or drinking, looking away while having a conversation, loud noises, or not being in a good mood. It is important to pay attention while driving to avoid any problem that can lead to a serious accident. Being disciplined is the best way to complete long road trips safely and soundly.

And as a passenger, you should care about safety too. Consider being an assistant to the driver, because driving is about bringing you safely to where you want to be and taking you home safely. If we follow all the road signs together, everyone can avoid the causes of road accidents in Australia.

Traffic control assistance

The causes of car accidents vary from driver to driver and circumstance to circumstance. To ensure safety and avoid road accidents, talk to a traffic control specialist. Call Nowra Traffic today for your traffic control needs on (02) 4423 5818.