With 6 million car accidents per year, avoiding the most common reasons for accidents is a priority for drivers. Keep reading this post by OilWerx in Mandan, ND, to learn more about them and how to stay safe.

Being behind the wheel carries the responsibility of being careful when driving to keep yourself and others safe on the road. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, car crashes account for 38,000 deaths per year in the United States. But fatal accidents aren’t the only ones to consider, as many people are also severely injured due to car crashes. This post’s objective is to teach you the most common reasons for accidents to avoid them.

A good maintenance routine is a big part of being a responsible driver. Keep your vehicle in good shape with the best products on the market. Call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 or visit AMSOIL’s online store to place an order today.

Distracted Driving

Being distracted while driving is probably one of the most common reasons for accidents on the road. Things like texting while driving, fidgeting with the radio, or even talking too much with someone in the car can cause you to be distracted. When driving, conditions tend to change quickly, so it’s essential to give it your full attention to avoid accidents. If you notice that you’re getting too distracted while driving, it’s a good idea to eliminate distractions. For example, if you keep reaching for your phone to check notifications, try putting it in silent mode inside your bag to avoid distractions. Another good idea for phones is to pair them to your car’s Bluetooth so as not to miss any important phone calls.

Driving While Drunk

While many drivers are mindful enough to avoid drinking and driving, some foolishly disregard this rule. Driving while drunk makes you have slower reaction times, impairs your senses, and sometimes can make you lose control of your body. All these are essential to being a good driver, which is why it’s so concerning that some people choose to get behind the wheel while drunk. Tip: If you’ve been drinking and need to get home, it’s best to call a taxi or request a car share ride instead of getting behind the wheel.

A Lack of Vehicle Maintenance

Another common reason for traffic accidents is a lack of vehicle maintenance. Cars need a regular maintenance routine to ensure they won’t overheat, blow a tire or break down on the road. To avoid this, keep an eye on warning signs like your car’s “check engine” light, unusual smells coming from the engine, and any other sign that your vehicle isn’t performing at its best. Having regular maintenance can also help you catch issues with your car before they become more serious and expensive to fix.

Driving safe also includes keeping your car in good condition. AMSOIL has excellent products like their Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil to keep it performing at its best. Call them at (701) 426-8970 for more information on their excellent products or online store to place an order 24/7.

Disregarding Traffic Rules

Following traffic rules is another essential part of staying safe on the road. Things like traffic signs, traffic lights, speed limits, and other signage on the road are places strategically to make the road safer for everyone. Ignoring them is easy to get into a crash, injure someone, or get a ticket. One of the most common reasons for accidents is two drivers disregarding traffic rules.

Poor Weather Conditions

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 21% of yearly car crashes in the United States are weather related. That’s why keeping an eye on the forecast is essential to avoid weather-related incidents, especially on days you’ll be driving a lot. Things like rainfall, high winds, hail, and snow can be hazardous to drivers and their vehicles.

Driving Fatigue

Last but not least, driving fatigue is a significant reason for accidents, especially on longer drives. Similar to driving while drunk, driving fatigue can cause your senses to be duller; it can make it harder to pay attention and make you have slower reaction times. If you’re behind the wheel and feel fatigued, it’s best to pull over and let another person take care of driving. If that’s not possible, look for somewhere safe and resume the drive once you’re well rested.

If you’re looking for products to maintain your vehicle, Oilwerx has you covered. Call (701) 426-8970 for more information on their excellent products, or place an order anytime at AMSOIL’s online store.