Road Traffic Accidents are a constant worry every time you get into your vehicle. Whether you live in Saintfield or Galbally, the factors which contribute to NI car collisions remain the same.
This article seeks to summarise the 5 factors which can cause car accidents. Prevention is, as always, better than a cure.
The 5 Factors which Cause Vehicle Collisions
According to Research Gate (Bayam et al), there are five main contributory factors which can cause a road traffic collision. The five factors include the following.
1 – The Driver of the Vehicle
When you have a crash and you are driving, it could be driver error which is to blame. Drivers might brake check the person behind them, leading to a rear-end collision. They might be rubbernecking (i.e. admiring a view) instead of paying attention to the road.
A collision can even occur if the driver has used drugs, alcohol, or has fallen asleep. Mobile phones are also a huge problem on NI roads. Speeding could potentially cause you to jackknife if you are driving a long vehicle.
2 – The Vehicle
A road traffic accident could occur because a vehicle is in poor condition. Tires without enough tread are prone to skid. Brakes can fail, causing you to overshoot, resulting in a fatal accident or head-on collision. Steering systems can seize up and clutches can jam.
3 – Any Environmental or Geographical conditions
The current weather conditions can play havoc with both your vehicle and your ability to drive it. For example, even the best driver can lose control on the ice. High winds frequently derail high trucks.
Furthermore, steep hills and prolonged periods of braking can put extra stress on your vehicle, meaning that geographical conditions can have an adverse effect on the functionality of your car.
4 – The Road Itself
Ever hit a pothole while travelling at speed? Have you ever entered a skid while driving on loose chips? Road surfaces can cause accidents in perfectly dry weather through way of lacking in grip. Petrol or diesel on the road from a leaking tank is a common example of the road causing drivers to skid.
5 – Other Road Users or Passengers in a Vehicle.
Passengers are a distraction just as surely as tuning the radio or operating the sat-nav is. Similarly, you can never account for what other road users are going to do. They represent arguably the biggest threat to you as you drive Northern Ireland’s roads.
Further Risk Factors Which Cause Road Traffic Accidents
There are obvious risk factors – such as wet weather, ice, or drunk driving – and there are less obvious risk factors for RTAs in Northern Ireland – such as sunny weather blinding drivers or pedestrians in the road.
Risk perception is also a common issue which can influence an accident’s outcome. Drivers who have taken drugs or have consumed alcohol are much less likely to perceive threats than sober drivers are.
Lesser known causes of car accidents in Ballymena, Larne, or Lisburn include:
- Aquaplaning in severely wet weather
- Blowing out a tire
- Mechanical failure of your vehicle
- Motorcyclists and cyclists in unexpected places
- Animal collisions
- Skidding or spinning out
Mobile phone use is also a huge contributory factor to car crashes in Northern Ireland.
What to do post-accident?
After your accident, when you are safe and recovering, you ought to contact a car crash solicitor in the Northern Ireland area. Lacey solicitors in Belfast and in Dublin offer the ability to represent you during a car crash compensation claim and live in ROI or NI.
Speak to our professionals today to discuss your car accident and your eligibility to bring a compensation claim against those at fault. Finding a good car accident lawyer is just an easy online contact form away.
