Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we are dedicated to providing you with the support and guidance you need after being injured in an accident in Philadelphia. Reach out to The Slocum Firm today to schedule your free case review.

Auto accidents are a prevalent concern in Philadelphia, often resulting in significant consequences for those involved. Understanding these accidents’ common causes is crucial for preventing them and navigating the aftermath effectively. 

From distracted driving and speeding to impaired driving and road rage, various factors contribute to the high rate of car accidents in the city. Identifying these causes helps understand the risks and provides valuable insights into how legal action can be pursued in an accident. 

At The Slocum Firm, our Philadelphia auto accident lawyers are committed to helping you comprehend these causes and advocating for your rights if you have been affected by a car accident.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road and a leading cause of accidents in Pennsylvania. DUI refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Pennsylvania has stringent laws in place to address DUI offenses and to deter impaired driving, recognizing the severe risks it poses to public safety.

In Pennsylvania, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% for most drivers. The limit is lower for commercial drivers, set at 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, Pennsylvania enforces a zero-tolerance policy with a limit of 0.02%. Driving with a BAC above these limits can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. Pennsylvania also has enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and those who drive with a BAC of 0.10% or higher, reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing this critical issue.

The dangers of driving under the influence are substantial and multifaceted. Impaired drivers experience reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and diminished coordination, which significantly increase the likelihood of causing an accident. Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s ability to make quick decisions, perceive hazards accurately, and maintain proper vehicle control. As a result, DUI-related accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities, making it a significant public safety concern.

Addressing DUI in Philadelphia requires a combined effort of law enforcement, legal professionals, and community awareness. At The Slocum Firm, we are dedicated to helping those who have been affected by DUI-related accidents understand their rights and seek appropriate compensation. Suppose you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a driver under the influence. In that case, it is crucial to seek legal representation to navigate the complexities of such cases and hold responsible parties accountable.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing epidemic on the roads and a significant factor in auto accidents across Pennsylvania. Distractions can come from a variety of sources, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems. Among these, texting and using a cell phone are particularly prevalent and dangerous forms of distraction, with devastating consequences for drivers and others on the road.

In Pennsylvania, laws that reduce distracted driving focus heavily on cell phone use. As of 2012, Pennsylvania has implemented a ban on texting while driving, which prohibits drivers from reading, writing, or sending text messages. Additionally, Pennsylvania law prohibits novice drivers, including those with a learner’s permit or junior license, from using a cell phone while driving, except in emergencies. For all drivers, handheld cell phones are restricted, and law enforcement can issue citations for violations. These laws are part of the state’s effort to combat distracted driving and enhance road safety.

The impact of distracted driving is profound. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is responsible for approximately 9% of all fatal crashes and 15% of injury crashes nationwide. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Transportation reports thousands of accidents each year where distraction was a contributing factor. 

This is due to the fact that distractions significantly impair a driver’s ability to maintain attention on the road, react to sudden changes, and make safe driving decisions. For instance, texting while driving can divert a driver’s attention for an average of five seconds, which, at highway speeds, equates to covering the length of a football field without looking at the road.

Addressing distracted driving requires not only strict adherence to laws but also a commitment to cultivating safer driving habits. At The Slocum Firm, we recognize the serious risks associated with distracted driving and are dedicated to helping victims of such accidents seek justice and compensation. 

Suppose you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driver. In that case, our experienced legal team is here to provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable.

Speeding

Speeding remains a leading cause of car accidents, contributing significantly to the severity and frequency of crashes in Pennsylvania. When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, the likelihood of losing control of their vehicle increases, as does the potential for causing serious accidents. Speeding not only reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to sudden hazards but also amplifies the force of impact in a collision, making accidents more severe.

In Pennsylvania, speeding violations carry various penalties depending on the severity of the offense. The state uses a point system to assess violations, with points added to a driver’s record for each speeding ticket. Accumulating too many points can lead to increased insurance premiums and even suspension of driving privileges. The penalties for speeding include:

• Fines: The fine amount depends on how much the driver exceeds the speed limit. For instance, speeding 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit may incur a lower fine compared to speeding 26 to 30 miles per hour over the limit.
• Points on Driving Record: Points are assigned based on the extent of the speeding violation. Accumulating 11 or more points within 12 months can result in a license suspension.
• License Suspension: Repeated offenses or severe speeding violations may lead to temporary or even permanent suspension of driving privileges.

The dangers of speeding are evident in the statistics. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a factor in approximately 30% of all traffic fatalities. In Pennsylvania, speeding-related crashes contribute significantly to both injuries and fatalities on the roads. The increased speed not only reduces a driver’s ability to maneuver or stop in time but also intensifies the crash’s impact, leading to more severe injuries and property damage.

Speeding compromises the safety of all road users and underscores the need for strict adherence to traffic laws. At The Slocum Firm, our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of speeding-related accidents and their impact on victims. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, our experienced legal team is prepared to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve for your damages and losses.

Road Rage/Aggressive Driving

Road rage and aggressive driving behaviors are serious threats to road safety, often leading to severe accidents and life-threatening injuries. These behaviors, fueled by frustration and anger, can transform ordinary driving into a hazardous experience for everyone on the road. 

Aggressive driving encompasses a range of dangerous actions, including tailgating, excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and making unsafe lane changes. Road rage, on the other hand, goes a step further, involving hostile and confrontational actions such as yelling, gesturing, and even physically confronting other drivers.

The danger of aggressive driving stems from the impaired judgment and heightened risk-taking it promotes. Drivers exhibiting road rage or aggressive behavior often act without regard for traffic laws or the safety of others. For example, tailgating a vehicle can provoke a sudden and unexpected stop, leading to rear-end collisions. 

Excessive speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, making it more challenging to avoid accidents. Furthermore, aggressive drivers who weave in and out of traffic create dangerous situations where other motorists are forced to make abrupt maneuvers to avoid collisions.

Statistics reveal the severe impact of aggressive driving on road safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that aggressive driving contributes to nearly 56% of fatal crashes. This is due in part to the fact that aggressive drivers often disregard speed limits, ignore traffic signals, and engage in risky maneuvers that increase the likelihood of accidents. In Pennsylvania, aggressive driving is a significant factor in many serious collisions, highlighting the need for vigilance and adherence to safe driving practices.

Addressing road rage and aggressive driving requires law enforcement and a collective effort from all drivers to remain calm and courteous on the road. At The Slocum Firm, we recognize the dangers posed by these driving behaviors and are committed to assisting victims of accidents caused by road rage and aggressive driving. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s aggressive behavior, our skilled legal team is here to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Following Too Closely

Tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely, is a perilous driving behavior that significantly increases the risk of serious car crashes. This practice is particularly dangerous because it drastically reduces the tailgating driver’s ability to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. When a vehicle is closely following another, there is little to no margin for error if the lead vehicle needs to brake abruptly or if an unexpected obstacle appears on the road.

The reduced reaction time it creates is the primary reason tailgating can lead to severe accidents. When a driver tailgates, they have less time to respond to the vehicle’s brake lights in front of them. This lack of reaction time can result in rear-end collisions, which are often serious due to the force of impact. Rear-end crashes can cause significant injuries, especially if the vehicle being hit is forced into oncoming traffic or if the sudden impact causes the vehicle to spin or rollover.

Tailgating is often driven by impatience, frustration, or aggressive driving tendencies. In congested traffic conditions, drivers may tailgate to push the vehicle ahead to move faster or assert dominance on the road. However, this aggressive behavior endangers others and increases the likelihood of a collision. Additionally, tailgating can escalate road rage incidents, further compounding the risk of accidents.

Preventing tailgating involves adopting safer driving practices and maintaining proper following distances. Drivers should adhere to the “three-second rule,” which dictates that you should stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you or more in adverse conditions. This ensures a safer distance that allows ample time to react to sudden changes. Maintaining a calm and patient demeanor can also help reduce the urge to tailgate, particularly in high-traffic situations where frustration might be higher.

At The Slocum Firm, we understand the severe consequences of tailgating and are dedicated to advocating for victims of accidents caused by this reckless behavior. Suppose you or a loved one has been injured in a collision resulting from tailgating. In that case, our experienced legal team is prepared to help you navigate the complexities of your case and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

The Slocum Firm

If you or a loved one has been affected by a car accident caused by these factors, The Slocum Firm is here to provide the legal support you need. Our experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us today at (570) 209-7376 or online to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery. Let us help you navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.