There are a number of articles out there with lists of the top causes of car accidents. Some lists included 15 causes, others go as high as 25. But for the reader with common sense, they can all be simplified into three general categories, with the final one being the most important.
We can start with the “Don’t Be A Moron” category (in salute to Murray Goldberg of ABC’s The Goldbergs who regularly makes this his catch phrase). Don’t drive drunk or recklessly. If you get mad at another driver, just curse him out in the privacy of your vehicle rather than cutting him off or tailgating. When you see a red light or a stop sign, just stop the car. Basic common sense.
The next category might be titled “Dealing With Life.” Bad weather increases the risk of accidents. Some people have no choice but to get on the road. If you’re not one of those people, make the smart decision to stay off the road. Fewer cars reduce the possibilities for accidents.
The big one is Distracted Driving. This leads any discussion of the causes of car accidents and using the cell phone (for talking or texting) is, by far, the biggest reason.
This could fall in the “Don’t Be A Moron” category, but there’s a deeper underlying reason why so many engage in risky cell phone behavior. It’s the myth of multi-tasking. Our society has bought into the notion that the more things we can do at once, the more productive we are. The myth chases us around in the workplace, at home and follows us into our cars. But it’s just that… a myth.
Studies show that the human brain functions best when it does one thing at a time and that we all get progressively dumber with each additional task. When you’re behind the wheel, let driving your car be the one thing your brain is focuses on.