Cause_and_Effect

Kayla Byrd English Comp. I Mrs. Blakeney 20 Sept. 2010 Causes of Automobile Accidents Auto accidents occur daily and can drastically change an individual’s life instantly. They happen without warning and can take a person’s life in the second of impact. Everyday, unexpectedly, innocent victims are killed in auto accidents. No matter how carefully a person drives, he or she will eventually have an accident. Many people die or have life changing injuries due to vehicle accidents. According to car accident statistics, every twelve minutes in the U.S. a person will die in a vehicle crash. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths for Americans thirty-five years of age and younger. The main causes of wrecks include drinking and driving, distractions, and recklessness. One cause of an auto accident is drinking and driving. A person who drinks loses his or her judgment to make quick decisions. He or she can also have impaired vision. Anyone who decides to get into an automobile after drinking puts everyone in danger. Most people do not realize the risk in drinking and driving until they have been involved in a crash. A person who kills someone because they were drinking often lives with guilt the rest of his or her life. If a person must drink, he or she needs to get a designated driver. People who choose to drink and drive only think about themselves and not others. Distractions cause many car accidents. They range from cell phones to eating in the vehicle. Cell phones interfere with a person’s focus. A person who uses a cell phone is four times more likely to cause an accident. Using a hands free device does not necessarily make the use of a cell phone any safer. Other distractions include changing the radio station while going down the road and eating while driving. A teenager lost her life reaching for a CD on the floorboard of her vehicle. The simplest of actions can cause a life changing experience, especially when behind the wheel of a vehicle. One should not take for granted the smallest of distractions while driving. Actions such as not obeying traffic signs, speeding, and tailgating represent reckless driving. A reckless driver often disregards the rules of the road. They often misjudge common driving procedures. The driver who fails to signal when turning, stops at stop signs, and otherwise exhibits dangerous driving habits contributes more to accidents. Individuals who drive recklessly do not respect other drivers. Most reckless drivers become aggressive behind the wheel. They often speed through suburban areas and school zones which could result in running over someone or something. Reckless driving causes many wrecks in the United States. Many automobile accidents can be avoided. Individuals not abiding by the law cause most accidents. A driver needs to consider his or her own safety as well as the safety of others while behind the wheel of a vehicle. Driving drunk, distracted, or recklessly contributes to the number of accidents and deaths on our road. Drinking and driving has become a huge issue in today’s society as well as the use of cell phones while driving. These alone have cost many young teenagers their life. While driving stay focused, sober, and regard the safety of others. Following these simple standards could reduce the number of accidents.