Car crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States, and it’s no surprise considering the hazards you encounter. Slick spots, drunk drivers, and road rage leave accident victims in New York with serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries. When that happens, the car accident attorneys at Richmond Vona can help you file an injury claim.
However, the best way to protect yourself physically and financially is to avoid accidents altogether. The more you know about what causes car crashes, the more you can do to prevent them.
1. Speeding
Speeding is one of the top causes of car crashes in Buffalo and throughout New York. The faster a car travels, the less time drivers have to react to oncoming hazards, such as pedestrians, animals, or other vehicles. In 2022, speed was a factor in around one in three fatal crashes in the state.
When a crash occurs, the extra velocity from speeding creates a force multiplier effect, dramatically increasing the damage to the car and making catastrophic injuries and fatalities far more likely. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that a mere 5 percent decrease in speed can reduce fatal traffic crashes by 30 percent.
2. Distracted Driving and Drowsy Driving
Distracted and drowsy driving are major contributors to car accidents. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for 11 percent of all vehicle crashes in 2022, and it isn’t limited to cellphone use. Drivers also go into highway hypnosis when eating, listening to loud music, and talking to passengers, and many lose focus when they’re sleepy.
As a driver, you can take specific steps to identify and avoid distractions:
- Strive to be a defensive driver and maintain a heightened awareness of your vehicle and those around you.
- Don’t use your phone while driving—it’s unsafe and illegal in New York.
- If you’re tired, find a rest stop along New York’s highways and take a short nap.
- When you’re severely fatigued, take advantage of one of the many hotels throughout the state and catch a few winks.
Each year, distracted and drowsy driving results in approximately 3,000 deaths and 6,400 deaths, respectively, and the numbers may be even higher. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), dozens of states fail to capture information about texting, fatigue, and hands-free cell phone use before car crashes.
3. Driving Under the Influence and Impaired Driving
Driving while intoxicated violates New York law and puts you and other drivers at serious risk. Alcohol and other substances can reduce your brain function and slow your reflexes, making it more difficult to maintain control of your vehicle.
According to the New York State Police, more than one-third of fatal car crashes in the state are alcohol-related, and the issue isn’t improving. In 2023, 971 people suffered serious injuries in alcohol-related crashes, up from 891 in 2022.
If you’re going to partake in alcohol or substances, plan ahead so you won’t need to drive. Make sure you have a designated driver or access to a rideshare service. In addition, look closely at the labels on any prescription medications you take. Some can impair your driving without you realizing it, and others can have negative interactions with alcohol.
4. Weather Incidents and Unsafe Infrastructure
Some of the top causes of car crashes in Rochester, Buffalo, and other parts of New York are more difficult to control. Poor weather conditions and unsafe infrastructure can introduce unexpected hazards into your daily commute. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and severe weather are especially dangerous if drivers don’t know how to manage them.
For example, heavy snow is common in many parts of New York, yet some drivers are unfamiliar with safe driving practices for snow and ice. Improper braking techniques and excessive speed endanger everyone on the road. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), an average of 32 percent of speed-related crashes occur during December, January, and February.
When driving in adverse weather conditions, slow down as much as necessary to maintain vehicle control. If there’s no safe speed, consider pulling over until conditions improve so you don’t fishtail, spin out, and cause a crash.
A 2025 report revealed that infrastructure issues cost New York drivers around $38 billion annually. If the roads and bridges in your neighborhood aren’t safe, contact your local government for assistance. Ask it to take steps, such as making repairs or installing speed bumps, to minimize accidents.
5. Unsafe Vehicles
Along with safe driving practices, you also need a safe car to drive. When vehicles are unfit for the road, drivers can lose control, struggle to brake, or find it difficult to steer, ultimately leading to a crash.
New York requires annual vehicle inspections and issues fines for vehicle owners who fail to complete them. Paying attention to vehicle recalls is equally essential. According to the NSC, more than 50 million vehicles in use today have open safety recalls. If you receive a notification or see a recall on the news that applies to your vehicle, quickly get it serviced to resolve the problem.
The NSC also recommends learning how to use safety technologies to reduce the risk of accidents. Special features your car might offer include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Adaptive headlights
- Antilock braking systems
- Automatic emergency braking
Performing regular inspections, responding to recalls, and using safety features make it less likely that your car will malfunction.
6. Night Driving
Driving at night is often unavoidable, but studies show crashes are significantly more likely between sunset and sunrise. According to a recent analysis, night driving is nine times more deadly than driving during the day. In addition, nearly half of fatal accidents occur at night—even though only 9 percent of driving happens during that time.
These increased risks are a natural result of reduced visibility, but compromised night vision, fatigue, and greater numbers of impaired drivers worsen the problem. Outside of daylight saving time, the evening commute is also risky because it combines congested roadways with traveling in the dark.
In a recent survey, 63 percent of Americans said aggressive driving is a major problem where they live. Crashes are more likely when these behaviors are present:
7. Aggressive and Reckless Driving
- Tailgating
- Racing other vehicles
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Making improper lane changes
- Refusing to yield the right of way
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Failing to signal
If you feel angry or frustrated while driving, try taking a few deep breaths or, if necessary, pulling over until you calm down. On the other hand, if someone else is driving irresponsibly, don’t try to outrun or compete with them. Instead, fall back and let them pass—the more distance between you and them, the better.
Factors That Make Crashes More Deadly
Fatal car accidents are common, with the WHO reporting around 1.19 million deaths from traffic crashes each year. While you may not always have the power to prevent an accident, some actions elevate your risk of serious injuries and death.
Non-Use of Seatbelts and Safety Equipment
New York has strict requirements for driver and passenger restraints. Whether the passenger is an adult or a child and wherever they’re sitting, seatbelts and proper restraints are vital. They can mean the difference between fatal or catastrophic injuries and walking away from the accident unscathed.
The NHTSA estimates seatbelt use can reduce car occupant deaths by up to 60 percent and critical injuries by up to 65 percent. Of the 756 children who died in car accidents in 2022, 39 percent didn’t have proper restraints. Wearing your seatbelt and ensuring everyone in your vehicle has appropriate restraints help safeguard you and your loved ones against life-altering injuries.
Inadequate Post-Crash Care
The medical treatment you receive in the minutes, hours, and days after a car accident determines your health outcomes down the line. The Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) outlines post-crash care as one of the five core objectives to mitigate death and serious crash injuries. Emergency post-crash care and rehabilitation can limit the development of disabilities and help you get back to the life you had before your accident.
No matter how you feel after an accident, seek emergency medical care immediately. You may have injuries you aren’t initially aware of, and receiving immediate treatment can help prevent disabilities and chronic impairments from developing.
Steps To Take To Prevent Car Crashes
Some of the top causes of car crashes in Niagara Falls and throughout New York are unpredictable, giving you limited control. However, you can help prevent them by following traffic laws and always driving alert. In addition to protecting your life, you stand a better chance of avoiding catastrophic injuries if you wear your seatbelt, remain focused on the road, adapt to weather conditions, and use a safe vehicle.
If the worst happens and you’re in an accident, you deserve effective legal representation. Whether you’re looking for a car accident lawyer in Buffalo, Rochester, or Niagara Falls, Richmond Vona has you covered. With more than two decades of combined personal injury experience, our attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Car crashes can happen for many reasons. If you were involved in an accident, contact us today. You can reach us online or by calling 716-500-5678.
