Sample analysis essay on road accidents
Main Factors Contributing to Road Accidents
There are many types of accidents which we humans encounter. These accidents can
range from air, to rail or road accidents. Out of the many forms of accidents the most
common forms are the vehicle or road accidents. In the year 2008 more than 6 million cars
were involved in accidents according to a crash data report by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration of USA (NHTSA). Other reports stated that more than eighteen
thousand people were involved in fatal accidents. (2009-2009 Ceatus Media Group LLC).
Vehicle accidents are a major cause of death and injury among adults as well as teenagers
around the world. As per the latest reports form US Department of Transport, a total of
37,261 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2008. Another 2.35 million people
were injured (Traffic Safety Facts 2008). A recent survey shows that teenagers are more
susceptible to vehicle accidents than adults. Highest rates of fatalities and injuries were
reported in age group of 16-24 years (Traffic Safety Facts 2008). There are many
contributing factors to this. Teenagers are more prone to driving under intoxications,
speeding, inattentive driving and disregard bad road conditions. This essay aims to analyze
some of the major causes which contribute to vehicle accidents and propose some
precautionary measures which can help teenagers drive more safely.
Some of the major causes of car accidents include driver negligence, drunk driving, reckless
driving, underage driving, bad weather, poor road conditions and equipments failure. Some of
these causes are directly manageable by the driver while effects of others must be minimized
through safety measures and precautions.
Tiredness and sleepiness or distracted drivers result in negligent driving. US Traffic
Safety Facts (2008) indicate that most accidents occur during midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays
and Sundays which can suggest drivers are either drunk or sleepy. There are times when
drivers tend to speak on cell phones, put on make up and engage in other activities which take
away the concentration on driving. What they do not realize is that it only takes a split
second for an accident to occur when your eyes leave the road and concentration slacks.
Statistics conducted show that 98% of car accidents occur due to a single distracted driver.
(1999 -2009 Legal Match).
This is the most common cause of road accidents to date. It is estimated that every 30
minutes someone dies due to a drunk driver. (1999- 2009 Legal Match) When under the
influence of alcohol the brain signals and body reflexes are not in coordination incapacitating
the driver of proper functioning. This causes drivers to either lose control of the car or speed
excessively and not able to brake and stop the vehicle when approaching collusion. This can
cause harm to people and public property as well. Nowadays, the penalty for drunk driving is
severe. It can range from steep fines to spending time in jail to their license being revoked.
According to the NHTSA if a person’s blood alcohol level is over .08% they are considered
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drunk drivers. As per 2008 statistics, out of persons who were killed in traffic crashes in
2008, 32 percent died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes (Traffic safety facts 2008).
Most motorists, especially those in young age groups tend to believe that they are pros
when it comes to driving. They believe that they are invincible and their driving prowess can
save them from any fatalities. Drivers of age category 16-19 tend to have low risk perceptions
and tendency to take unnecessary risks (Teenage Driver Crash Statistics, 2009). Sometimes
recklessness can come with too much confidence and disregard of safety measures. There is
also what is known as “joy rides” among the teenagers where two or three groups of youth
race against each other with little disregards for their safety.
There is an age limit to obtaining a license. In most countries it is the age of 18.
However, some countries facilitate young drivers by providing them with a learner’s permit.
This means an adult has to be present at all times when the minor is driving the car.
However, often these minors tend to drive with friends without an adult present. The NHTSA
reports claims that 16 to 19 year old are more prone to car accidents than any other age
group. This is caused by the fact that they have not yet achieved full competency of driving.
Bad weather is another major cause of motor accidents and the fact that teenagers tend
to pay less attention and take more risks in skidding and slippery roads or in poor visibility
contributes to greater number of accidents in this category (Top Causes of Car Accidents,
2009). Countries that have snow and ice storms during winter are more susceptible to this
type of mishap. However, there are other reasons for accidents which occur due to bad
weather. Some drivers tend to drive slowly when the roads are bad. This can cause a traffic
pile up and other drivers will tend to overtake or pass this driver from the wrong side which
might cause an accident.
Another common cause of automobile accidents is equipment failure. Regardless of
the quality of the manufacturing, there are still instances when breaks fail, tires blowout and
suspensions fail. These failures, although most often not the fault of the driver or the
manufacturer, can cause fatalities.
Most countries have bad roads conditions where debris litter the roads or warnings on
road signs are unclear or pot holes and maintenance work being done hamper road traffic. If
the driver is not vigilant when maneuvering his car, these obstacles can cause accidents. If
traveling in hazardous roads with low safety precautions such as side rails against precipices,
the drivers can face fatal accidents by veering off the road.
While some of the causes are not in direct control of the driver, there are many ways
in which we can reduce and avoid risks of vehicle accidents. There are laws which have been
passed to avoid accidents. Following speed limits, road signs and traffic laws can help reduce
the risk of accidents majorly. Regardless of these laws it is important for drivers to keep in
mind that they are responsible for the lives of themselves and others including passengers,
other motorists and pedestrians if they are not careful. Therefore, drive responsibly. Do not
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drive under the influence of intoxicating substances as drugs and alcohol. Inform the
respective road developments authorities if you notice a sign which is not clearly visible or
hazardous obstructions are on road ways. Avoid reckless driving at all costs as joy rides can
turn in to a life long nightmare with a fatal accident that can leave people dead or paralyzed
for life. Adhere to the speed limit and keep your eyes on the road at all times. If these
precautionary methods are taken seriously you will be able to save many lives.
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