It is a given fact that a requirement for safe driving is well-maintained vehicle however having a good performing auto is not enough. A healthy car should be complimented by a sound and proficient driver in order to ensure total safety. In California, thousands of people are killed each year due to driver incompetence and negligence. This alarming situation may be addressed, much more resolved, if drivers know how to become competent drivers.
Three Common Causes of California Car Accidents
According to SmartMotorist and Los Angeles attorneys, California car accidents are often caused by at least three factors, and these are:
1. Equipment failure – This is caused by poor auto maintenance. Hundreds of car accidents in the United States occur due to poorly maintained vehicles. A malfunctioning vehicle is very much susceptible to car accidents because its parts are not up with road safety standards.
2. Roadway design – A roadway that is poorly designed may cause instant road collision. California drivers must be on guard for accident “hotspots” in order to avoid any untoward incident. Common factors resulting to poor roadway design include:
• Uneven surfaces;
• Lack of traffic control devices;
• Heavy traffic flow;
• Presence of road debris and hazards; and
• Poor roadway lighting.
3. Driver behavior – A simple driver’s mistake may instantaneously result in catastrophic and life-altering roadway collision. Some of the driver errors that may cause an accident are:
• Over speeding;
• Violation of traffic rules;
• Driving under the influence;
• Distracted driving; and
• Aggressive driving.
How to Become a More Competent California Driver
According to California Driver Handbook 2009, for a driver to become a safer motorist, he or she should have a good visual skills, proficient hearing skills, and adroit alertness.
1. Visual skills – In order to drive safely and proficiently, motorists must have a good vision to judge distances and see merging traffic troubles. A driver with poor vision may easily get involved in an auto accident because he or she cannot clearly see the traffic situation.
2. Hearing skills – Auditory skills are as important as visual skills. Motorists do not only use their eyes to drive but they also need to utilize their ears. Motorists with poor hearing may find it difficult to cope with the sudden changes in the traffic situation because he may not hear the sound of vehicles’ horns, incoming trains, and other related traffic sounds.
3. Mental alertness – This facet is very much needed when driving in California. Drivers must have an alert mind and thinking in order to accustom with abrupt changes in the traffic situation.
