Human Factors in Maryland Traffic Car Accidents

Every year, thousands of drivers in Maryland are involved in car accidents that lead to injuries, property damage, and even deaths. Many of these vehicle collisions happen because of preventable behavior behind the steering wheel. While weather and road conditions do play a role, most car crashes come down to human error. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents in Maryland can help motorists make safer choices and reduce their risk on the roadways.

Most car accidents are preventable. While there are many causes of Maryland car accidents, most accidents are the result of a few common negligent driving behaviors. In Maryland, one of the leading causes of car collisions is distracted driving. Distracted driving consists of any time a driver engages in behavior that removes their attention from the road. Distractions can be visual, auditory, manual, or cognitive. For example, eating or drinking, changing the radio station, talking to a passenger, day dreaming and texting are all common examples of distracted driving behavior.

The state department of transportation keeps very detailed records all Maryland distracted driving accidents. In part, this is to gauge the effectiveness of government efforts to reduce the instances of distracted driving. On average, there are nearly 54,000 Maryland traffic accidents that are caused by distracted driving. These wrecks result in nearly 18,000 injuries and 160 deaths. According to the most recent data from 2019, there were over 57,000 traffic accidents caused by distracted drivers. These accidents resulted in 18,102 injuries and 176 deaths.

Distracted Driving Is a Leading Risk

Distracted driving continues to be one of the biggest threats on Maryland roads. Cell phone use – whether texting, calling, or using apps – is a major contributor. But distraction can come in many forms; eating, adjusting the radio, checking a GPS, or even talking to passengers.

In 2023, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) reported over 10,000 car crashes involving distracted drivers. These auto collisions often happen in a split second when a motorist’s attention is diverted.

How to Avoid it:

• Keep your cell phone out of reach or use hands-free features.
• Set your GPS before starting your trip.
• Eat and drink before or after driving, not during.
• Focus entirely on the roadways and pull over if you need to do something else.

Speeding Increases the Severity of Car Collisions

Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is another leading cause of car wrecks in Maryland. High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the force of impact in a car accident.

Maryland sees a significant number of speed-related automobile accidents on highways and local roads alike. Speeding is especially dangerous during poor weather or heavy traffic when roadways are more unpredictable.

How to avoid it:

• Follow posted speed limits, especially in construction zones or residential areas.
• Slow down in the rain, fog, snow, or when roads are slick.
• Use cruise control on highways to maintain consistent speeds.
• Stay alert for changes in traffic flow or road conditions.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Still Causes Preventable Tragedies

Despite public awareness campaigns, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol remains a serious issue. Impaired driving affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time – all essential for safe driving.

In Maryland, DUI – related crashes frequently lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Law enforcement continues to crack down on impaired drivers, but car crashes still occur when individuals make poor choices.

How to avoid it:

• Never drive after drinking or using any kind of substance that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Designate a sober driver or us a rideshare service if you plan to drink alcohol.
• Report suspected impaired drivers to authorities.

Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way Causes Many Intersection Car Crashes

Intersections are common sites for car collisions, particularly when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way. Whether running a red light, ignoring a stop sign, or misjudging the speed of another vehicle, failure to yield the right-of-way often leads to T-bone or head-on car wrecks.

These car crashes can happen quickly and are especially dangerous due to the force and angle of the impact.

How to avoid it:

• Slow down as you approach intersections, even if you have the green light.
• Always look both ways, even when you have the right-of-way.
• Yield to pedestrians and follow traffic signals carefully.
• Do not assume other drivers will stop or follow the rules of the roadways.

Tailgating Leaves Little Room for Error

Following too closely, or tailgating, is a behavior that increases the likelihood of rear-end car accidents. This kind of driving does not allow enough time to stop if the vehicle ahead suddenly slams on the brakes.

Tailgating is often tied to aggressive or impatient driving. It can escalate into road rage situations, which further raise the risk of car crashes.

How to avoid it:

• Keep a safe following distance – at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
• Increase your distance in bad weather or low visibility.
• Be patient in traffic and avoid aggressive driving behavior.
• Do not let frustration influence your decisions behind the wheel.

Poor Weather and Road Conditions Contribute to Seasonal Auto Accidents

While not a human error, Maryland’s weather does play a role in many car crashes. Snow, rain, ice, and fog can make roadways slippery and reduce visibility. Motorists who fail to adjust their speed or driving style to match these conditions are more likely to lose control.

Winter months typically bring a spike in weather-related car crashes, especially in areas with hilly or rural roads.

How to avoid it:

• Slow down and drive cautiously during adverse weather.
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on icy or wet roads.
• Clear all windows and mirrors before driving.
• Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle during the winter months.

Inexperienced Drivers Are More Likely to Make Costly Mistakes

Teen drivers and others with limited experience are more prone to car crashes. They may struggle with recognizing hazards, reacting quickly, or handling unexpected situations.

While inexperience is not something that can be fixed overnight, awareness and education can help reduce the risks.

How to avoid it:

• Parents should ensure young drivers get plenty of supervised practice in different conditions and situations.
• Avoid distractions and take extra caution during the first few years of driving.
• Encourage defensive driving habits and ongoing learning.

Distracted Driving Is Always Dangerous

There are three main types of distracted driving, but all are dangerous.

• Visual distraction, which means that the driver has taken his eyes off the road.
• Manual distraction, which specifies that the driver has removed his hands from the steering wheel.
• Cognitive distraction, meaning that the driver has stopped focusing on his driving.

Distracted driving is a very serious violation of the law. It has been proven to be increasingly dangerous over the past few years with the rise in cell phone use. Some call it “the new drunk driving.” Studies have shown that distracted drivers often display the same driving ability as those who drive while intoxicated or falling asleep. Texting or talking on the phone while driving not only hinders the driver’s ability to steer as needed in case of an emergency, but it also takes the driver’s focus off the road for seconds at a time.

Contact a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Today

While no one can control every factor on the road, being aware of the top causes of car collisions gives drivers the knowledge to act more responsibly. Small changes – like putting the phone away, slowing down, or staying calm in traffic – can make a big difference.

For those who have already been involved in a car wreck, especially due to another driver’s negligence, it is important to understand your rights. Injuries can lead to high medical bills, missed time from work, and long-term pain and suffering.

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt can help car crash victims pursue fair compensation and navigate the legal process. Whether the car crash was caused by a distracted driver, a failure to yield, or another form of negligence, legal support can be key in moving forward. Our legal team is available 24/7/365.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, do not face it alone. Our law office can help protect your interests and guide you through every step. Contact the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt anytime at 443-844-1528. We are on your side.