Most Common Types of Causes of Car Accidents in Sydney

Learning about some of the most common causes of road accidents in Australia might assist you in identifying potential hazards and staying safer on the road. Some of the most common causes of automobile accidents in Australia are discussed here. Reading the information provided below, you can also learn when it is necessary to hire car accidents lawyers in Sydney and apply for motor vehicle accident compensation in NSW.

The most common causes of traffic accidents in Australia are as follows

According to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication, about 1,132 road fatalities in Australia between December 2019 and November 2020 was reported. The National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) has recognized The Fatal Five as a group of drivers who are particularly dangerous on the road.

For the year 2016, the most common causes of motor vehicle or car accidents in Australia were weariness, excessive speeding, intoxication, failure to wear a seatbelt, distraction/inattention, and drunk driving. The statistics on car accidents in Australia are shown in the following section.

Fatigue

Driving while fatigued has the potential to have serious consequences. According to the National Road Safety and Prevention Program, weariness is a contributing factor in 25% of fatal road crashes. Driver weariness is four times more likely than drugs or alcohol to be a contributing cause to impairment than any of these substances. Never go behind the wheel while you’re fatigued.

When driving long distances, remember to take frequent breaks and, if at all possible, switch drivers on a regular basis. Avoid driving during times when you’d normally be asleep, and if you start to feel weary while driving, pull over and rest for a few minutes (or have a nap).

Speeding

According to the National Road Safety and Prevention Program, speeding is the single most significant cause of mortality on our roadways. A contributing factor in 32% of all road fatalities in Australia is the use of a motor vehicle at excessive speeds. Even slight increases in speed might produce complications.

According to the Road Accident Research Unit, each 5km/h increase in speed above 60km/h increases a person’s probability of being involved in a road casualty by a factor of two, and a simple 5km/h reduction in speed can result in at least a 15% reduction in crashes. You and those who share the road with you are at risk while you are driving at excessive speeds. Check your speed on a regular basis, and slow down as necessary due to road and weather conditions.

Also Read: Important Tips When Making A Motor Accident Personal Injury Claim

Intoxication

Alcohol is a contributing factor in 30% of all road traffic fatalities in Australia (NRSPP). More than one in every four cyclists and drivers murdered on our roads has a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit. Several consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol might occur, including a poor judgement of distance and speed, decreased vision, and delayed reaction times.

Drivers under the influence of drugs, as well as those under the influence of alcohol, are a threat. You should also be aware of the side effects of any prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as whether or not they can impair your ability to drive. If you have any questions about the effects of your medication, you should consult with your doctor. Before you leave the house, consider how you’ll get back home safely, and if you believe you’ve had too much to drink, don’t get behind the wheel.

Failure to use a seatbelt while driving

According to the CARRS-Q, unrestrained vehicle users are eight times more likely to die in a car accident than those who are restrained in their vehicle. Wearing a seatbelt that is properly set can minimise the risk of serious injury or death by as much as 50 per cent in some situations. Failure to buckle up is not a direct cause of accidents, but it does appear to have an impact on the likelihood of a death occurring in a car collision.

Distraction/inattention

There are numerous types of distractions that can occur when driving. Distractions can include the following:

• Taking a look at a phone.
• I’m not paying attention to the road.
• Other thoughts are running through my head.
• Noises that are disruptive.
• Taking your hands off the steering wheel.

According to the National Road Safety and Prevention Program, driver attention is a factor in at least 20% of all fatalities. When driving, stay as far away from distractions as possible. Make sure you don’t use your phone while driving, warn your passengers if they are distracting you, adjust your mirrors and seat before you leave, and keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road at all times when driving.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, accidents can still occur even when all measures are taken. Our motor vehicle accident lawyers in Sydney will assist you with your compensation claim to the greatest extent possible if you have been injured in an accident.