Car accidents are an unfortunate possibility of owning and operating a motor vehicle. Although we consider them “accidents,” there are plenty of preventable measures drivers can take to avoid one. Whenever a Louisiana driver fails to display the necessary standard of care, a car accident is likely to follow. The following five circumstances are the most common causes of Louisiana car accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a nationwide issue, and Louisiana is no exception. Drivers who choose to text, talk, eat, groom, or even operate the GPS while driving do not only put their lives in danger but the lives of all other commuters as well. Louisiana enacted the current distracted driving laws in 2011 to discourage distracted driving, improving on the previous texting while driving ban which only had secondary enforcement.
Speeding
Keeping up with the flow of traffic or attempting to make a light are not viable excuses for speeding. Whether you are traveling five or fifty miles per hour over the speed limit, a police officer can justifiably cite you for speeding. Speeding puts more pedestrians and fellow drivers in danger than any other offense, which is why it is one of the most expensive Louisiana traffic fines.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are in place to manage traffic flow in a manner that keeps all commuters safe. Stop lights, stop signs, yield signs, and “No U-Turn” signs are all examples of traffic signals. Ignoring or disobeying a red light or stop sign is incredibly dangerous as you place yourself directly in the path of other vehicles, likely resulting in an injury-yielding side-impact accident.
Drunk Driving
Louisiana embraces a laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) and joie de vivre (exuberant enjoyment of life) culture which commonly involves alcohol consumption and attracts visitors from around the nation. With that said, drunk driving is a common cause of Louisiana car accidents. Drunk drivers tend to speed, swerve, and have a slower reaction time, which is a recipe for a life-threatening accident.
Rain and Wet Roads
Northeast Louisiana tends to get a generous amount of rain, especially during the current hurricane season. As a result, numerous wet road accidents occur annually. Small puddles of water accumulate on the roadways in rainy conditions. When a driver speeds through one, his or her tires can quickly lose traction with the road and cause the vehicle to hydroplane, which is a common cause of single-car accidents.
As a driver, you must do your best to present the safest driving conditions for all commuters. In the event another driver fails to do the same and injures you in a car accident, seek the legal counsel of Louisiana personal injury attorney. At E. Orum Young Law Offices, our attorneys have over 35 years of experience representing Louisiana drivers. Our Trial Guarantee ensures that we will take your case to trial per your request. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
