Ryan Zavodnick | February 4, 2025 | Car Accidents
As the most populous city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is no stranger to car accidents. Its busy roads and harsh winter weather make vehicle crashes a mere fact of life. Nevertheless, it’s important to ask, “What is the most common cause of collisions in the area?” to ensure your safety.
These are 12 of the most frequent causes of car accidents in Philadelphia:
1. Distracted Driving
In Philadelphia, the most common cause of a collision is, arguably, distracted driving. Between phones, passengers, external factors, and all of the technology that is built into new vehicles, there are plenty of distractions that plague today’s drivers. But even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a catastrophic crash.
2. Speeding
Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for Philadelphia’s poor winter road conditions drastically increases the risk of a crash, as doing so reduces your reaction time and makes it harder to stop in an emergency.
3. Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
DUI accidents can be catastrophic, as being under the effects of alcohol or other drugs can impair judgment and slow reaction times. Even minor impairment can increase the risk of a major crash and leave everyone involved facing life-changing injuries.
4. Running Red Lights
Car wrecks involving red lights can be especially dangerous due to the manner of impact. During these accidents, the front of the vehicle that runs through the light may impact the side of another car (or vice versa), resulting in a T-bone crash. Vehicles offer limited protection against these accidents, especially at high speeds.
5. Tailgating
Following too closely behind another vehicle does not leave enough time to react if the front car suddenly stops, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. You should always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and leave additional space when driving at high speeds or in inclement weather.
6. Poor Weather Conditions
Bad weather impacts your visibility and stopping ability. Slow down and be extra careful when driving in the rain or snow.
7. Potholes And Other Road Hazards
Potholes and poorly maintained roads are common in Philadelphia. Stay vigilant and slow down if you are driving on a road that is in rough shape.
8. Fatigue
Driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. If you have been driving for a long time or are starting to feel sleepy, pull over and take a break. If that doesn’t help, you may need to stop driving for a while and get some sleep.
9. Reckless Driving
Weaving in and out of traffic and failing to yield to vehicles that have the right of way are just a few examples of reckless driving. If you see another car behaving recklessly, try to distance yourself from it.
10. Improper Lane Changes
It’s your responsibility to make sure that adjacent lanes are clear before you leave your current one. Always check your blind spots before changing lanes as well so as to avoid side-impact collisions.
11. Defective Vehicle Parts
You need good brakes and tires to stop safely, so if you notice that your tires are lacking tread or your brakes aren’t working like they should, take your vehicle in for maintenance right away.
12. Inexperienced Drivers
New drivers may not have the skills to properly navigate Philadelphia’s busy streets. If you are a new driver, get plenty of practice on less busy roadways and avoid rush hour traffic until you are comfortable behind the wheel.
What To Do After A Car Crash In Philadelphia
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash in Philadelphia, your utmost priority should be to address your immediate medical needs.
After the dust has settled, reach out to the City of Philadelphia Department of Records to obtain a copy of your crash report. Use the information in your report to consider your next steps and hold the at-fault parties accountable for the hardship you endured following your crash.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.