The Top 10 Causes of Car Accidents and How to Avoid Them

By the Mercury Team

It can happen in the blink of an eye. Maybe it’s just a large thud. Or maybe your airbags deploy and glass breaks, and you realize you’ve just been in an accident. On-the-road incidents can range from small fender benders to more serious collisions that could result in serious injury or even death. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that an estimated 39,345 people died as a result of traffic accidents in 2024. And while numbers were down for the 11th consecutive year, even one life lost on the road is one too many. Here are the top causes of crashes, along with common-sense car accident prevention tips.

Causes Of Car Accidents

“Most accidents aren’t caused by bad luck,” says Kevin Quinn, VP Claims, Auto. “They’re the result of small, preventable mistakes drivers make every day.”

Here are the 10 most common reasons drivers get into accidents, from distracted driving to inexperience.

1. Distracted Driving

Why do most car accidents happen? Distraction is the leading factor in most crashes. Everyday activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio may seem harmless, but they greatly increase your risk on the road. So much so that if you’re driving 55 miles per hour, a five-second distraction, like responding to a text, is like driving an entire football field while blindfolded. NHTA data from 2024 also reported 400,000 accidents that year alone, due to distracted driving. Fortunately, many states are enacting laws that make it illegal to text, make calls, or have a phone in hand while in the driver’s seat.

2. Speeding

The NHTA attributed more than 11,000 deaths in 2023 alone to speeding. Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of any accident. While it’s tempting for teens to go over the limit, especially if they’re late for school or social activities, speeding means increased potential for loss of vehicle control.

3. Driving Under the Influence

One person dies due to alcohol-related driving impairment every 42 minutes in the U.S., while 56% of drivers in crashes with fatal or serious injuries test positive for at least one drug. Alcohol, illegal drugs, and even some prescription medications impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making driving extremely dangerous for you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.

4. Reckless Driving

You’ve seen those low-to-the-ground cars revving their engines and speeding down the interstate, drag racing as they weave in and out of traffic. Aggressive maneuvers such as tailgating and driving recklessly are recipes for disaster. Plus, ignoring traffic laws significantly raises the odds of a serious crash.

5. Poor Weather Conditions

Heavy downpours, icy patches on the road, and fog so thick you can’t see more than a few feet in front of your windshield can all lead to a higher chance of losing control of your car or being unable to stop in time. Inclement weather conditions can reduce your visibility and potentially your traction on the road.

6. Drowsy Driving

Powering through a long commute or pushing a road trip a few extra hours while sleepy can be as dangerous as intoxication. Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and are more prone to poor decisions.

7. Vehicle Defects

Worn-out brakes, balding tires, or failing steering components can lead to unexpected breakdowns or loss of vehicle control. These are all terrifying propositions when you’re trying to come to a hard stop while traveling at higher speeds and your brakes don’t react quickly enough, or your vehicle doesn’t respond to steering maneuvers.

8. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Intersections are hotspots for severe crashes. Side-impact collisions, often caused by running a red light or stop sign, can lead to major injuries for both drivers and passengers. Learning what the lights mean and how to yield properly at a stop sign can cut back on these unnecessary accidents.

9. Improper Turns

Making unsafe U-turns or turning without signaling leaves other drivers guessing and increases the chance of an accident. Failing to yield the right-of-way can disrupt the flow of traffic and create confusion at busy intersections.

10. Teenage Drivers

Teens often lack real-world driving experience, making it harder for them to accurately judge speed and distance. Inexperience can lead to poor decisions, especially in complex or fast-changing traffic situations. Extra guidance, practice, and supervision help new drivers build safe habits and confidence on the road.

How to Avoid Car Accidents

While car accidents may happen even to the most vigilant drivers, there are many ways to minimize your risk of a major incident. Here are a few practical safe driving tips to keep in mind every time you get in your vehicle.

• Practice distracted driving prevention: Enable your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving. Finish all texting and calls, and set navigation before you get on the road. Also, avoid eating while driving so your hands are on the wheel at all times.
• Drive for conditions: Slow down in rain, fog, or on icy roads. And be sure to increase your following distance and use headlights for maximum visibility.
• Avoid aggressive behaviors: Consistently using your turn signals lets other drivers anticipate your actions and reduces confusion on the road. Staying calm in heavy traffic helps you make safer decisions and prevents dangerous confrontations with other drivers.
• Be alert at intersections: Making a full stop gives you time to assess the roadway and spot approaching vehicles or pedestrians. Always check both ways before proceeding at any intersection to avoid collisions with drivers who may run red lights or stop signs.
• Use built-in safety features: Your car probably came loaded with both basic and more advanced safety technology. Always use a blinker, put on your hazards in low-visibility conditions, and enable lane departure warnings to alert you if you veer outside the lines.
• Schedule vehicle maintenance: Regularly inspecting your tires, brakes, and lights ensures your vehicle responds properly in emergencies. Preventive maintenance helps identify problems before they become safety hazards on the road.

The most important safety feature in any vehicle is an attentive driver. Before starting the vehicle, make a commitment to eliminate in-car distractions and remain focused on the task at hand — driving. You never know who else might be distracted, so where possible, take your safety into your own hands. And while safe driving is the best line of defense, having the right car insurance ensures you’re financially protected if the unexpected happens. Whether you’re looking for cheap car insurance for yourself or want to bundle your auto and home, contact Mercury today for a fast, free quote!

People Also Ask

How does one become a defensive driver?

A good defensive driver stays alert, anticipates the actions of others, and always leaves room for the unexpected. They practice patience, maintain safe following distances, and avoid risky behaviors like aggressive lane changes.

Is distracted driving more dangerous than drunk driving?

Both distracted driving and drunk driving are extremely dangerous, but distracted driving has become more common and often goes unnoticed, making it a silent threat on the road. Studies show it can impair reaction times just as much as alcohol, leading to devastating crashes.

How does speeding contribute to crashes?

Speeding reduces the time a driver has to react to hazards and increases the severity of any collision. Even a few miles per hour over the limit can mean the difference between avoiding an accident and causing one.

What are common mistakes new drivers make?

New drivers, like teenagers, often misjudge stopping distances, fail to check blind spots, and tend to underestimate how weather or traffic affects road safety. They may also become overconfident, leading to careless decisions behind the wheel.