The causes of car accidents are often preventable. If every motorist makes conscious efforts to abide by all traffic regulations, there’ll be fewer accidents. As such, every driver needs to understand the leading causes of traffic accidents in Maryland and avoid them.

Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. From rear-end, side-impact, and head-on collisions to single and multiple car accidents, the effects of traffic crashes are far-reaching. A significant number of car accidents end up in fatalities and serious property damage. A 2019 report reveals a total of 521 deaths from traffic accidents in Maryland.

In this article, we’ve highlighted 5 top causes of road crashes in Maryland. Are you or your loved ones involved in a car crash in Maryland due to someone else’s negligence? Our car accident attorneys will help you get ample compensation for your losses in no time.

Types of Traffic Accidents in Maryland

As Marylanders, we experience different types of car crashes on our roads now and again. The most common kinds are:

• Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions happen when two automobiles that are traveling in opposite directions collide. These vehicles move directly towards each other, and their front ends hit each other.

• Read-End Collisions: When a vehicle crashes into the one in front of it, it’s called a rear-end. This usually happens as a result of tailgating.

• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Not all traffic accidents involve two or more vehicles. In single-vehicle crashes, an automobile crashes into something (e.g., a tree) or runs off the road.

• Multi-vehicle Collisions: Like its name, multi-vehicle collisions involve many automobiles. Also called a pile-up accident, this type of collision is one of the deadliest types of traffic crashes.

• Side Impact Collisions: Here, a vehicle hits another on its sides. Side impact crashes are also called T-bone collisions.

Top 5 Causes of Traffic Accidents in Maryland 

The types of traffic accidents in Maryland discussed above are usually due to the following:

• Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving occurs when a motorist drives while doing something else. It means engaging in another activity like texting or eating while driving. Anything that takes your focus off the road or preoccupies you as you drive is distracted driving.

Distracted driving is extremely dangerous, accounting for about 3,142 fatalities in 2019. There are three types of distractions on the road — visual, manual, and cognitive. While visual distractions direct your eyes away from the road, manual distractions take your hands off the steering. In mental distractions, the driver is not mentally focused on their driving.

• Speeding 

Every state prescribes speed limits for drivers. Maryland sets its maximum speed limits for interstate highways or expressways at 70 mph. For all other roads, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph. Any Maryland motorist that exceeds those limits is overspeeding.

Apart from being a major traffic violation, speeding is one of the most common causes of motor accidents worldwide. It’s very deadly because it limits the drivers’ reaction time when they need to make an urgent stop.

• Drunk Driving 

Drunk driving (or driving under the influence) happens when a motorist drives while intoxicated by alcohol or a similar substance. It’s one of the leading causes of car crashes in Maryland. The state takes drunk driving as a very serious offense and prescribes severe penalties for offenders.

Maryland’s recommended blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers is less than 0.08%. Any motorist driving with 0.08% BAC or greater in Maryland is automatically drunk driving. Such driver faces the risk of fine penalties, license suspension, and even jail time for up to 5 years.

• Tailgating 

Yet another major reason for many traffic accidents in Maryland is tailgating. Tailgating is a statutory offense and occurs when a vehicle drives too closely behind another. As such, a rear-end collision is inevitable if the car in front stops suddenly. To avoid tailgating, motorists need to leave enough distance between vehicles in front of them. The space should be wide enough to prevent a collision should the car in front stops abruptly.

• Fatigue and Stress 

Motorists shouldn’t drive when tired or fatigued. Fatigued drivers can hardly pay attention to the road and pose a risk to other road users.

Let’s Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve!

No matter the type or cause of the accident, you don’t have to suffer from another driver’s recklessness.  If someone else caused you or your loved one’s traffic accident, you deserve ample compensation for your pain. Our car accident attorneys will help you get it without stress.

With our vast experience handling various Maryland traffic issues, Pinder Plotkin, LLC, is the best law firm for your case. Let’s get started. Contact us for a free consultation ASAP!