What is by far the most major cause of automobile accidents?

Question

What is by far the most major cause of automobile accidents?

Answer 1

The most common cause of auto accidents is "driver distraction" (read: cell phones) at 23%, followed by speeding (~19%) & alcohol (~18%).



Some other facts about auto accidents:

- an auto accident occurs about every 5 seconds

- someone is killed in an auto accident about every 12 minutes

Answer 2

One car crashing into another? If you look at the reasons usually cited, they will often miss the underlying reasons that can't be written on an accident report or claims form.



Not enough experience is obviously one - the US driving test is far too easy and does not train you for freeways. Old age and slow reaction time is another.



But I would bet on SUVs - not because they are unsafe, but because they block the view of the road. Anyone that knows what they are doing will tell you that drive safely you need to see at least 5 vehicles ahead - you can't do that behind a Ford Explosion.