Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in New Mexico

Most people do not expect to be involved in a vehicle accident when they get behind the wheel, but the reality is that vehicle accident do occur with regularity throughout New Mexico. However, if you have a basic understanding of the most common causes of New Mexico car accidents, you will be one step ahead of the ball game. If you know how accidents happen, you may be able to avoid a collision on the roadway.

Common Causes of New Mexico Car Accidents:

1. Driving too Fast for Conditions

When we look at the information available from the New Mexico Department of Transportation, we see that speed is a major contributor to vehicle crashes each year across the state. During the latest reporting year on file, more than 4,000 total crashes were attributed to speed. This was approximately 8.5% of all vehicle crashes during that reporting year. Driving too fast for conditions significantly increases the severity of the injuries sustained by those involved in the collision.

2. Driving Under The Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

The New Mexico DOT shows us that approximately 4.6% of all vehicle crashes in the state were attributed to alcohol during the latest reporting year. However, alcohol-related collisions accounted for 41.2% of all traffic crash fatalities during that reporting year. Additionally, drugs were a factor in approximately 21.3% of all fatal collisions during that same reporting year. Often, alcohol and drugs are combined in a person’s system, significantly increasing the dangers on the roadways.

3. Driving While Fatigued

Operating a vehicle while fatigued can have the same effects on a person’s driving behavior as operating while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This can slow a person’s reaction time significantly.

4. Failing to Yield the Right of Way

Drivers often failed to yield the right of way when they are unsure of traffic laws in various situations or out of pure impatience. Unfortunately, failing to yield the right of way at an intersection, a traffic signal, or a traffic sign can result in significant injuries for those involved.

5. Driving While Distracted by Phones or Another Device

The New Mexico DOT says that a distracted driving crash occurs approximately every 57 minutes across the state. More and more, drivers face distractions when they are behind the wheel. This typically includes distractions caused by cell phones or other types of devices. This can also include eating or drinking while driving, adjusting the radio or GPS, reaching for items in the vehicle, or talking to others inside the vehicle.

6. Dangerous Roadway Conditions

Dangerous conditions on the roadways can also contribute to severe accidents. This can include poorly maintained roadways filled with potholes or other obstacles that have not been promptly cleaned. It is up to state and local municipalities to properly inspect and maintain the roadways to ensure driver safety.

7. Inclement Weather

The weather can change in an instant, and what seems like a clear day can quickly turn into hazardous driving conditions. Anytime a person expects there to be hazardous weather, they should think twice about getting behind the wheel of their vehicle. If a person experiences inclement weather while they are driving, they may need to slow down significantly or even pull the vehicle over until the weather has passed.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in New Mexico, contact Liles White PLLC for a free case evaluation,