The Top Causes of Accidents in Arizona

Car accidents are common throughout the United States, and the state of Arizona is no exception. Each year, thousands of car accidents are reported throughout the state. While it is not always possible to prevent accidents, knowing the most common causes of car accidents in Arizona can help you avoid these behaviors and reduce your risk of causing an accident.

Distracted Driving

When you hear the term ‘distracted driving,’ you may automatically think of someone texting or looking at their phone while behind the wheel. While smartphone use is a common example of distracted driving that can cause an accident, anything that distracts you from the road could also prove to be dangerous. This includes looking at a GPS, eating, or even talking on a hands-free device. If you must talk on a hands-free device while driving, be sure to always keep your eyes on the road and hang up if the call is too distracting.

Speeding & Reckless Driving 

Speeding and other examples of reckless driving lead to tens of thousands of car accidents in Arizona each year. Speeding could mean driving over the posted speed limit or driving too fast for the roadway conditions. This could mean the roadway is slippery from a recent rainstorm and reduced speed is required for safety, but a driver is still driving at the speed limit. Driving over the speed limit can make it harder to keep control of your vehicle if you need to avoid another car and can easily lead to an accident.

Driving While Impaired 

Impaired driving refers to driving while under the influence of alcohol or another mind-altering substance, such as prescription medication or illegal drugs. Even though the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, many drivers are still impaired with lower blood alcohol levels. If you’ve had anything to drink, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get a ride home from a designated driver or a rideshare service.

Fatigued Drivers

Everyone feels tired sometimes, especially if you’ve had to wake up early for work and didn’t have time to grab a coffee. However, driving while fatigued is incredibly dangerous—even if you’re not under the influence. When you’re tired, you’re less likely to pay attention to the road or react quickly in an emergency. This delayed response time can lead to an accident. Always be sure to get plenty of sleep before heading out on the road.

Failing Vehicles 

Cars are meant to be safe, but vehicles can fail just like any other machine. When vehicle parts fail, it can lead to serious accidents. Many vehicle failures occur due to a lack of proper maintenance on the part of the owner.

Contact Barnett’s Towing for Towing Services in Arizona

If you’ve been in an accident in the state of Arizona, you’ll need reliable towing service to get your vehicle off the road and to an auto body shop. Barnett’s Towing offers emergency towing services throughout Arizona for both light duty and heavy duty vehicles. Our fleet is equipped to handle any towing job, regardless of the condition of your vehicle. Contact us today to learn more about our towing services.