The recent fatal Greyhound bus crash, the unfortunate death of Los Angeles Angels’ pitcher Nick Adenhart and the demise of California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor and his family are all examples of tragic vehicle accidents that have shocked the community as a whole. Unfortunately, traffic accidents account for the leading cause of inadvertent death in Los Angeles for individuals aged between 1 and 34 years. And as the numbers continue to increase each year, here is a rundown of some of the most popular causes of tragic traffic accidents:

Driving while Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving while inebriated or under the effect of drugs is one of the principal causes of fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state of California. All manner of medication, whether legally or illegally acquired, have the potential to affect a driver’s driving capacity adversely. Drugs tend to impair one’s judgment, as well as vision and reaction time, which increase the possibility of an auto accident.

 Speeding 

Over speeding drivers generally, have less reaction time to dangerous roads. Additionally, speeding drivers are typically unable to stop in time before a collision, which worsens the impact on the driver, victims and sometimes property. For victims of reckless drivers it is a good idea to seek help from qualified law firms who have a highly trained legal staff and reputable attorneys.  Speeding could have a devastating aftermath.  Based on findings by the CHP, speed accounts for about 28 percent of all fatal traffic accidents that result in sustaining serious injuries or even death.

 Driver Behavior

Poor driving habits, behavior, and attitudes are all factors that lead to fatal auto accidents.  Examples of bad driver behavior that can cause accidents include perilous passing, failure to keep right, reduced visual scanning, improper lane changes, tailgating, failure to acquiesce right of way and lack of concentration among others serious factors.

 Poor Weather Conditions

Regrettably, there is no way to control the weather. However, unfavorable weather conditions such as fog, snow, uncontrollable rain and even driving at night can cause dangerous collisions. Weather conditions such as these tend to affect the visibility of the road, which impairs the driver's ability to drive safely. Rain can cause the road to be extremely slippery therefore increasing the chances of losing control while behind the wheel.

Vehicle Defects

Although defects in the automobile only account for a small percentage of road accidents, recalls, as was the case in Toyota this year paved the way for chain reactions among various motor vehicle manufacturers. Aside from defects, improper care of the motor vehicle may result in worn out tires, and faulty brakes, which may increase the chances of being involved in a fatal road accident.