Being involved in a car accident isn’t something anyone ever wants to experience. You know it’s important to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of both yourself and other motorists on the road.

One way to boost your safety is to familiarize yourself with common causes of auto accidents. When you understand why accidents happen, you can more effectively avoid situations that might be dangerous.

Some causes of auto accidents are thoroughly well-known. For example, you likely understand drunk driving can result in a deadly accident.

However, there are other potential causes of motor vehicle accidents that you may not have considered. Examples include the following:

True, you probably already understand that driving while tired is dangerous to a degree. That said, this example earns a spot on this list because many people simply don’t realize precisely how dangerous drowsy driving can be. 

According to researchers, depending on how tired a person is, driving while tired can be as dangerous as driving while drunk.

Additionally, research has shown that many people who were involved in accidents because they fell asleep at the wheel were surprised, as they didn’t believe they were tired enough to simply fall asleep without planning to. 

Thus, if you’re ever tired enough that you could probably nap if you chose to, don’t get behind the wheel. It’s also best to avoid situations that could result in drowsy driving. For example, if you’re attending an event that you know will run very late, to the best of your ability, strive to make travel plans that will allow you to not have to drive.

Did you know that some car colors carry a higher accident risk than others? This is simply because some colors are more difficult to see on the road.

The most dangerous color of vehicle to drive is black. Dark vehicles are, naturally, hard to see in dark conditions. They may also blend in with the road, depending on the type of pavement you’re driving on.

Gray cars are also unsafe. When it’s foggy or even simply cloudy, spotting them is a challenge.

Research indicates the safest color of car to drive is white. Keep this in mind when selecting the color of the next vehicle you purchase or rent.

Driving in the rain is dangerous. This is something we’re all taught. That said, it’s also something many of us forget to consider when driving in rainy conditions.

You may already adjust your driving habits and exercise greater caution when driving in extremely heavy rain. You simply must remember to also do so even when rain is somewhat light. Additionally, if you have the option not to drive in the rain, it’s wise to wait until the weather improves before getting behind the wheel. Driving in the rain is, statistically, one of the top causes of accidents.

Remember these points whenever you’re driving. Again, when you know why accidents happen, you’re better equipped to guard against them.