Top Causes of Car Accidents—and How to Avoid Them
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye—and most of them are completely preventable. At CollisionCam, we’ve reviewed thousands of crash videos across Utah, and one thing is clear: the same few mistakes cause most wrecks. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to the road, here are the top causes of car crashes and what you can do to stay safe.
1. Distracted Driving
Texting, eating, fiddling with your radio—it only takes a second of looking away to miss a stop sign or rear-end the car ahead.
How to Avoid It:
Keep your phone out of reach, finish your breakfast before hitting the road, and set your destination before you drive. Eyes up. Hands on the wheel.
2. Speeding
Going just 10 mph over the limit can double your crash risk. Speeding shortens reaction time and increases the force of impact.
How to Avoid It:
Obey posted speed limits and slow down in unfamiliar areas or bad weather. Getting there a few minutes late is better than not at all.
3. Failure to Yield
Many accidents occur when drivers don’t yield the right of way—especially when turning left or merging onto busy roads.
How to Avoid It:
Don’t assume other drivers will stop. Always yield unless you’re absolutely sure you have the right of way. Take an extra second—it can save a life.
4. Running Red Lights
T-bone crashes from red-light running are some of the most dangerous collisions we capture at CollisionCam.
How to Avoid It:
Yellow means slow down, not speed up. Approach intersections cautiously, even if you have a green light—watch for others who might not.
5. Tailgating
Following too closely gives you almost no time to react if the driver ahead slams on the brakes.
How to Avoid It:
Follow the 3-second rule: pick a fixed object and count 3 seconds after the car in front passes it. In bad weather, increase your distance.
6. Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs slow your reaction time and impair judgment. Even a small amount can increase crash risk.
How to Avoid It:
Plan ahead. Use a rideshare, taxi, or designated driver. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or using substances.
7. Poor Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, and ice make roads slippery and reduce visibility—especially dangerous in Utah’s winter months.
How to Avoid It:
Slow down, increase following distance, and use headlights. Keep your tires and wipers in good condition. If the weather’s bad, give yourself more time or wait it out.
How CollisionCam Helps
At CollisionCam, we’ve seen firsthand how a few small mistakes lead to serious accidents. That’s why we monitor accident prone locations to capture what really happened and help drivers protect themselves with clear, reliable evidence.
Final Thought
Most crashes aren’t “accidents”—they’re preventable. By understanding the top causes of collisions and taking simple precautions, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.
Looking for footage from a recent crash? Request video here.
