Category: Car Accidents

With the temperatures heating up in Knoxville, many people are taking to the roads by foot, bicycle and vehicle. The increase in road activity means there is a higher risk of car accidents and injuries for everyone, especially pedestrians. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, motor vehicle accidents were the cause of 4,884 pedestrian deaths in 2014. Many more people suffered minor and catastrophic injuries. 

Motorists who know about the common causes of accidents involving pedestrians can adjust their driving behaviors to prevent them. 

Intersections and left-hand turns 

Intersections are particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers sit and wait on traffic lights to give them permission to go, and they look at different corners of the intersections for other vehicles. Some drivers speed through intersections not realizing that they are pedestrians on the roads. Many drivers also fail to keep an eye out for any pedestrians who are crossing at intersections as they make left-hand turns. Pedestrians are three times less likely to be hit by vehicles making right turns than they are by cars making left-hand turns, states TrafficSafetyStore.com. 

Accidents like these are avoidable if pedestrians check all sides of intersections before and during their crossings. Drivers should carefully check for people on the roads before and while they are proceeding through intersections and making turns. 

Driver and pedestrian distractions 

Motorists are not the only ones who suffer when there are distractions on the roads. Pedestrians who are too caught up in their smartphones cannot adequately survey their surroundings to make sure that there is no oncoming traffic that could crash into them while they are crossing the streets. They are also unable to remove themselves from harm’s way if they were to see a vehicle approaching their position on the streets. 

Motorists who use their cellphones, operate their vehicles infotainment centers and give more attention to their passengers instead of the roads cannot see pedestrians. They cannot react fast enough to avoid hitting and injuring them with their vehicles. 

Pedestrians involved motor vehicle accidents are completely avoidable. Pedestrians should practice safety at all times when they are near streets and traffic. They should use the crosswalks, pay attention to the traffic lights and make themselves aware of all nearby vehicles. Motorists should take their responsibility to drive safely seriously to make the roads safer and accident-free.

Many Knoxville motorists assume that summer is the safest driving season of the year. There is no snow on the ground, less rain in the forecast and the temperatures are heating up. According to CNN.com, the summertime is the riskiest time of year for motorists to be on the roads. The closer it gets to Memorial Day, the more dangerous the roads become. 

Drivers should learn about the factors that increase summertime car accidents so they can avoid them. 

More young drivers 

School is out, and many newly licensed and inexperienced teen drivers are on the roads. Young drivers are spending more time driving on the streets. Their inexperience and distractions significantly increase the chances of them crashing into other vehicles and pedestrians. A study posted in USAToday.com states that young drivers who text and drive have a 23 percent higher chance of crashing. Also, teenage-related car accidents are often more severe during the summer. 

Road construction projects 

Many road construction and repair projects occur during the summer because the weather is more predictable and favorable. Road projects can affect the flow of traffic. Many projects result in detours being put in place and reduced speeds. Motorists who are not familiar with the detours, do not pay attention to road construction areas and traffic signs and engage in distractions are likely to crash their cars and injure others. 

Many summertime car accidents do not have to happen. Motorists can avoid them by focusing all of their attention on the roads and driving safely to avoid hitting pedestrians and other drivers.

As a motorist who frequents the roads in Knoxville, you may feel so familiar with your route that you often resort to distractions to keep yourself from getting bored. Although you have managed to drive around without accidents thus far, you should know that distractions are one of the biggest causes of car accidents in the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents that involve distracted drivers injure at least 1,161 people a year. 

With the risk of accidents due to distractions increasing, you should make yourself aware of how your driving actions endanger everyone on the roads. 

Distractions prevent safe driving habits 

“Distractions that result in you taking your eyes off the roads for any length of time present the greatest risk of danger to motorists,” states CBSNews.com. When you text and drive, you are not looking at the roads. You cannot see what is going on around your vehicle. If a driver were to make a sudden stop, swerve in front of you or do some other dangerous driving maneuver, you would be unable to avoid them. When you cannot drive defensively enough to protect yourself and your passengers, other motorists cannot drive defensively to protect themselves from you. 

Car accidents can cause life-changing injuries 

Car accidents are not the only consequences that you face when you engage in distracted driving. Collisions with other vehicles can result in serious injuries that can result in temporary and permanent disabilities and death. 

Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. All it takes is just one unfortunate event to change your life forever. 

Now that spring is here, and summer is on its way, many motorists will be taking to the roads in Knoxville to travel. An increase in motorists means a higher risk of car accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, in 2015, approximately 958 fatal car crashes occurred in Tennessee.  884 victims from those accidents lost their lives. Many of those accidents happened while they were traveling with their friends and loved ones for vacation.

Motorists can take preventative measures to increase the chances of them making it safely to their destinations.

Pre-trip their vehicles

Drivers should thoroughly inspect their vehicles before they get on the roads. They should check their turn signals, wiper blades, fluid levels and brakes. It is also a good idea to have any neglected maintenance services performed before they start traveling.

Avoid distractions

Distractions were the cause of 420,000 injuries from car accidents in 2013, states CellControl.com. Being on the road requires motorists to remain attentive to them. Drivers should keep their cellphones where they cannot access them until they arrive at their destinations. They should also encourage their passengers to minimize the use of their mobile devices while they are driving. Other distracting behaviors motorists should avoid include eating and drinking while behind the wheel, conversations, grooming and adjusting their navigational and entertainment systems.

Remain mindful of road conditions

Warmer weather often brings about an increase in rain and wet road conditions. Motorists should check the weather before they leave for their destinations and adjust their driving behaviors. They should drive slower when the roads are wet to decrease the chances of them hydroplaning. Drivers should also pay attention to the speeds and actions of other motorists when there is inclement weather. They should steer clear of drivers who are driving recklessly.

Drivers can avoid many hazardous conditions on the roads with extra care and caution. Preparing their cars and themselves before they hit the streets can make the roads safer for everyone.

Each year, thousands of Knoxville motorists crash their vehicles. Whether these car accidents are the result of distractions, intoxication or something else altogether, they are all preventable. Many people are aware of the dangers that are involved when alcohol and distractions are factors. But, this knowledge does not prevent them from engaging in these behaviors.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 660,000 drivers use their cellphones while on the roads during the daytime. Distracted drivers exhibit many of the same characteristics as drunk motorists.They have slower reaction times and inadequate knowledge about what is happening around them. Drivers who text and use their mobile devices take their eyes off the roads and have a significantly higher chance of crashing their vehicles. Drunk motorists also share many of the same risks, but some them do try to compensate for their impairments.

The dangers increase drastically when distracted motorists are drunk. Distractions make it harder for intoxicated drivers to safely operate their vehicles, states Science Daily. Motorists who consume alcohol and drive with distractions do not necessarily need to be drunk to have a higher risk of accidents. Drivers who drink and text endanger everyone on the roads not just themselves.

In many cases, distracted driving is worse than drunk driving. There are not as many laws, regulations and prevention measures in place to prevent motorists from using their cellphones on the roads. Currently, suspected drunk drivers face jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension and other harsh penalties. Distracted motorists do not have as many consequences to worry about until they crash their cars.

Teen drivers are one of the most vulnerable groups of motorists on the roads in Knoxville. When distractions are present, their risk of collisions and injuries increase substantially. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenagers are more likely to die from motor vehicle accidents than any other cause of death. Parents should encourage their teens to learn how to avoid distractions while driving so they can reduce their risk of car accidents and fatal injuries.

Pre-trip preparation

Many teens do not inspect their vehicles before they get into them. They should adjust all mirrors, seats, climate controls and entertainment settings before hitting the roads. Adolescent drivers should also plan their routes and check weather conditions before they start driving.

Focus on the roads

When teens get behind the wheel, they should focus all of their attention on the roads. Driving is an activity that requires a great deal of focus. Teen motorists should actively scan the roads for pedestrians, traffic signs and signals and monitor their mirrors so they can avoid obstacles, vehicles and people.

Put away electronic distractions

It is no secret that many young adult drivers overestimate their driving abilities. They become super confident and think they can drive safely while doing other things like using their cellphones. Teens should refrain from suing their cellphones and electronics. Many newer vehicles are equipped with hands-free technology that can also lead to distractions. Teen motorists should only use their electronic devices in emergency situations.

Getting teens to avoid distractions while driving may seem challenging to some parents. CNN.com reports that “51 percent of teenagers witness their parents using their mobile devices while they operate their vehicles.” Teens tend to mimic their parents driving behaviors. Parents should practice what they preach, so their teens will become safer drivers.

Teenage car accidents are frequent occurrences. Many of those situations are preventable with the proper reinforcement of good and responsible driving habits.

For many motorists, car accidents are a common sight on the roads in Knoxville. According to CreditDonkey.com, in 2013 alone, there were more than 5,687,000 motor vehicle wrecks. Car accident injuries vary in severity. Some people can walk away from the scenes of their accidents with minor injuries; others are not as fortunate. Some motorists who initially survive their ordeals end up dying from their injuries later on. The probability of a person dying from a car accident is 1 in 6,529, states the Thrillist.com. With the number of car accidents increasing each day, more thought should be given to the kinds of injuries that can occur.

Neck injuries

The jarring motion of car accidents can result in forceful movements of the head and neck resulting in damaged, strained and torn muscles and ligaments. People who suffer neck injuries often end up with whiplash and may also have damage to their vocal cords.

Head injuries

When cars collide with each other, the sheer force of impact is enough to force the heads of victims against windows, doors, steering wheels and the windshields of their vehicles. The force and speed of collisions often cause their brains to smash against their skulls, causing bruising, internal hemorrhaging and traumatic brain injuries. Some brain injuries may last for a short amount of time, such as concussions; others may result in permanent brain damage.

Psychological injuries

Car accidents are often scary situations. The lingering emotional effects of car accidents can cause victims to withdraw from others, avoid the outside, become depressed and angry and to abuse their medications and other substances. Many people who suffer psychologically from car accidents often benefit from counseling and professional help.

The consequences of car accidents can often linger on indefinitely. They can also lead to pain and suffering for the families of victims who did not survive. Motorists can minimize the impact of car accidents by driving safely to avoid them.

There are many different kinds of motorists on the roads in Knoxville. With the number of car accidents increasing daily, many people are not aware that there are risk factors that make them more susceptible to motor vehicle wrecks than others. Drivers who know these risks can take better precautions to avoid them.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, in 2015, there were 32,166 fatal car accidents. Many of those accidents were caused by high-risk drivers. The following motorists are more likely to cause and become involved motor vehicle wrecks than other drivers.

Many teens are still learning how to operate their vehicles. They lack experience, judgement skills and the knowledge they need to avoid dangerous driving situations. They are also more likely to endanger themselves and others when they drive with passengers and use their electronic devices for social media, selfies and surfing the internet.

Male drivers are usually more aggressive than female drivers and are also more likely to disregard traffic rules and signals. Also, some male motorists tend to drive after consuming alcohol. Drunk drivers are responsible for 3,423 deaths across the state, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fatigued motorists are also responsible for car accidents. Drivers who are too sleepy to drive and unable to focus their attention on the roads often end up crashing into pedestrians, animals, buildings and other motorists.

Car accidents are a common occurrence, but they do not have to be. Drivers who practice safe driving behaviors and avoid motorists who exhibit any of the above risks can minimize their chances of being involved in them.

As common as car accidents are in Knoxville, not many people are aware of the different types. In 2013, more than two million people were injured and 32,000 victims lost their lives in car accidents across the nation, states U.S. News & World Report. No matter the accident type, the risk of severe injury and death is always present. Some accidents result in victims sustaining certain kinds of wounds more than others.

Animal collisions

It is not uncommon for motorists to encounter animals on the roads. Many drivers are surprised when they do and may swerve and make sudden stops to avoid them. These actions are not effective ways for motorists to avoid collisions with animals or other drivers. Drivers should remain attentive to the roads and their surroundings and drive slowly in places where animals sightings occur.

Lane drifting accidents

Drivers who stray from their lanes into other lanes that may or may not be traveling in the opposite direction cause head-on collisions that often result in serious injuries and death. Drivers may also hit guardrails, trees, stationary objects on the side of the road and pedestrians. These incidents are very common at intersections and on small rural roads and highways.

Rear end accidents

According to Allstate, 29 percent of all motor vehicle accidents involve rear-ending. This type of accident often occurs when drivers, speed and tailgate each other and when they incorrectly judge other motorists intent after being distracted.

Many car accident situations are preventable. Maintaining proper speeds, staying attentive to the roads and avoiding distractions can keep motorists from crashing into vehicles, pedestrians, animals and other objects.

Car accidents happen every day on the roads in Knoxville. Many of these incidents are preventable. These accidents cause a great deal of turmoil, trauma and harm to victims and their families. Drivers who learn about the common causes of car accidents can take reasonable measures to avoid them.

Distractions

Driving while distracted is the latest fad for motorists. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving claims the lives of eight victims each day. That is approximately 2,920 deaths a year. The most common source of distractions is cellphone use. Whether it is texting, eating, talking, or sleeping, drivers should learn to minimize their distractions to avoid accidents and injuries.

Alcohol, medications and drugs

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol, medication or some other substance is illegal. Yet, that does not stop thousands of drivers from doing it every day. In fact, impaired drivers killed almost 15,000 people in 2012, states Safeco.com. Alcohol and the use of certain prescriptions medications and drugs can alter the user’s cognitive abilities and motor skills, making it hard for them to pay attention traffic, road conditions, their driving behaviors and their ability to operate their vehicles safely.

Reckless driving

Reckless driving is any careless driving behavior that increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Motorists who speed, run red lights, ignore traffic signs and drive aggressively are blatantly ignoring traffic laws and rules. Some drivers resort to reckless motor vehicle operation to get other motorists to speed up and move out of their way. Careless driving is very risky behavior that can irrevocably alter the lives of everyone who is impacted by the accidents that occur.

Drivers who take their safety seriously should pay more attention to the roads. They should concentrate on reaching their destinations safely by avoiding all sources of distractions, the use of alcohol and certain medications and by following all traffic rules and signs.