How Many Car Accidents Are Caused by Human Error?

There are all sorts of reasons for car accidents. Drivers text each other from behind the wheel, drive drunk, or don’t see traffic signs at night. Driver negligence causes most accidents.

If you suffered serious injuries in an auto accident, a personal injury lawsuit can help you get money for medical bills and lost wages. If you want to know about your legal rights after an accident, talk to an experienced car accident lawyer for legal advice.

Human Error in Car Crashes

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 94% of motor vehicle accidents were caused by driver error. Accidents caused by vehicle problems and environmental conditions accounted for very few traffic accidents. The most common human factors reported for causing accidents include:

• Improper lookout
• Excessive speed
• Inattention

Even though vehicle safety has improved over the years, humans are not more responsible with their driving behavior. Motorists are still subject to common human errors and make common mistakes when it comes to road safety.

The NHTSA reported traffic crashes increased by 16% from 2020 to 2021, from 5.25 million to 6.10 million accidents. There was also a 10% increase in traffic crash fatalities, with almost 43,000 traffic deaths on U.S. roadways in 2021.

Common Causes of Car Accidents by Drivers

The NHTSA study categorized different types of driver-related critical reasons for causing car accidents. These errors include:

• Recognition error
• Decision error
• Performance error
• Non-performance error

Recognition errors can involve not paying attention to the road or distracted driving. Drivers may be distracted by their phones, changing the radio, or rubbernecking during a traffic accident.

Poor decision-making involves risky or reckless driving, including not driving defensively or driving unsafely under the conditions. This includes speeding, not slowing down in wet weather conditions, tailgating, or misjudging the speed of other vehicles.

Performance errors can cause an accident when the driver overcompensates or has poor directional control.

Drunk Driving and Drowsy Driving Accidents

Non-performance errors can include impairment (drunk driving) or drowsy driving that can slow a driver’s reaction time. These human errors account for many fatal traffic accidents in the U.S.

According to the NHTSA, drowsy-driving-related crashes accounted for 684 fatal crashes in 2021. But impaired driving is one of the most common causes of fatal accidents. More than 13,000 people died in accidents with drunk drivers in 2021, accounting for about 30% of all traffic crash fatalities.

Who Is Responsible for a Car Accident?

Some drivers feel that other factors contributed to a car crash that was out of their control. Driving in heavy rain or after snowy conditions can increase the risk of an accident. But the driver is still generally responsible if driving in dangerous conditions.

For example, a driver may lose control on the ice, slide into your lane, and hit you. The driver later claims they had nothing to do with it. They claim that environmental factors caused the accident. But the police investigation could find that the driver was going way too fast for the conditions. The driver knew it was icy, knew there was a risk, and drove recklessly anyway.

Yes, the driver lost control on the ice, but if they had been driving slowly and safely, that never would have happened. That driver can still be responsible, even though weather conditions contributed to the accident.

How an Attorney Can Help You Get Compensation

If you are in a car accident, things can get complicated when you want to seek compensation. The other driver may say they are not to blame for the crash. The driver’s insurance may try to blame you for the accident or deny your claim. An attorney can deal with the insurance companies and fight to get you compensation for your accident. Contact an auto accident attorney for legal advice in your case.