If you’re a driver in Arizona, you might have assumed that longer trips have a higher risk of car accidents. But in fact, a recent study has shown that a fourth of all accidents happen within the first three minutes. These findings suggest that you might want to start walking whenever possible.
How was this study conducted?
To gather this data, researchers installed devices in thousands of vehicles and analyzed their trips for a year. Out of the 3 million trips that they measured, only less than 2,000 resulted in car accidents. But a large percentage of those car accidents occurred during short trips.
According to the study, nearly 90% of the trips were thirty minutes or less. In fact, only 1% of trips lasted for an hour or more. The researchers studied the short trips and learned that 25% of the accidents in the study happened within the first three minutes. Another 14% of accidents happened within the first ten minutes. Trips lasting ten to twenty minutes had the lowest risk of a crash.
However, the risk does increase if you’re in the car for a long period of time. The researchers noted that your risk of getting into an accident skyrockets if you’re in the car for forty minutes or more. But since most trips are short, it seems that the shortest trips have the potential to be the most deadly.
How can you prevent car accidents?
To reduce your likelihood of getting into a car accident, try walking instead of driving whenever possible. You should also take breaks if you’re planning a long trip to prevent driver fatigue. The study also noticed that distracted driving causes 26% of accidents. Never text or talk on your cell phone while you’re on the road.
Who should you call if you get into an accident?
Accidents can happen to anybody. If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another motorist, you might find that having the assistance of an attorney is advisable when seeking compensation for your medical bills and other losses.