Risk Factors That Increase Motor Vehicle Accidents

Risk Factors that Increase Motor Vehicle Accidents

It is springtime. As many of us turn to the roads again for family trips and vacations, we also should be aware of road safety. Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a common threat to all and cause multiple fatalities and injuries every year. We at Chambers Medical Group are very aware of how serious MVAs can be and while anyone can be involved in a car crash, certain factors increase the likelihood of being in an MVA. Dr. Aaron Workman, a member of one of the highest rated auto injury medical care facilities, Chambers Medical Group of Kentucky, explains some of these risk factors so we can take measures to be safe and hopefully reduce our chances of being involved.

Age and Experience

One of the most significant factors is your age and how long you have been driving. Young, inexperienced drivers, usually those under the age of 25, are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents. This group often lacks the driving skills, judgment, and experience necessary to get through difficult traffic situations. As a father of two that are learning to drive, this is evident every time we practice driving. Their reactions times are dreadfully slow as they must think through each step of the situation. Additionally, teenage drivers are more prone to risky behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence which in turn increases their risk of accidents.

Driving Tendencies

Certain tendencies, such as speeding, aggressive driving and tailgating, significantly increase the risk. Working in a clinic that treats MVA patients, I never see an accident with two people driving like they should. One driver always has a bad tendency that leads to the accident. Even distractions such as texting or talking on the phone while driving takes attention away from the road, resulting in slow reaction times, making accidents more likely to occur.

Vehicle Type and Condition

Older vehicles with outdated safety features can be more susceptible to failures and are less equipped to protect occupants. Likewise, vehicles with bad maintenance are at a higher risk of experiencing mechanical issues leading to accidents. Properly maintained vehicles can save you from creating an accident. Newer vehicles are typically equipped with advanced safety features such as airbags, headrest breakaways, anti-lock braking systems, computer navigation, and electronic stability control and can help reduce the severity of accidents and lessen injuries.

Environmental Factors

Weather conditions, road type, road conditions, and time of day also play an important role in MVAs. Rain, snow, ice, or fog reduces visibility and traction. Just after winter we see the increase in potholes. Areas with poor signage or poorly lit signage can all pose hazards to drivers. Finally, driving at night or during rush hour traffic increases the likelihood of coming across fatigued or impaired drivers, further elevating risk.

In the many years of taking notes on patient accidents, there is always one constant. Someone caused the accident. The other driver is almost always engaged in a bad tendency, lacked the experience to be in a particular environment, or something failed on an improperly maintained vehicle. If you find yourself hurting from an MVA, we at Chambers Medical Group can help.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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