Many of us spend time every day in a vehicle, but driving daily can make it easy to forget the dangers of being on the road. In 2014 alone, 30,000 fatal car accidents occurred in the U.S.
According to experts like an auto accident attorney, those thousands of accidents have almost as many causes– distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and driving while sleepy all lead to dangerous operation mistakes.
Sometimes, however, the driver isn’t necessarily at fault. Vehicle malfunctions also contribute to car accident statistics every year. Here are just a few common car troubles that can lead to life-threatening accidents:
Brake Failure
Brakes might be a car’s most important safety feature. When a car can’t be slowed or stopped properly, accidents ensue. In fact, in crashes caused by vehicle failure, faulty brakes were listed as the cause 22% of the time. Regular brake inspections every 30,000 miles are essential to preventing brake failures.
Steering Problems
Problems with controlling the direction of the car’s movement might be related to a car’s ball joints or the suspension, and in extreme cases can cause a driver to careen right off the road. Bad ball joints make clicking or popping noises when the steering wheel is turned, and can cause the wheels to fall off the car. Routine maintenance is a good way to prevent these issues, as a mechanic often won’t let a car with worn ball bearings or a bad suspension leave the garage.
Tired Tires
Worn out tires that are bald or under-inflated are more likely to go flat or even burst. At high speeds, these tire failures can lead to severe accidents. Remember to replace tires before they completely lose their tread, and to check the air pressure in tires regularly.
Broken Lights and Wipers
Many drivers know that headlights are a necessity for their own nighttime and rainy-day visibility, but forget that headlights and taillights help other drivers see them as well. Don’t let a broken taillight or blown bulb wait for repairs, or else risk more than a ticket.
Similarly, wipers are essential to maintaining good visibility in different driving conditions. An old wiper that does not glide smoothly and clear the driver’s field of vision can be surprisingly dangerous. Luckily, most wipers can be replaced without going to a shop. For about $30, you could save your own life.
Leaking/Missing Fluids
Finally, one common cause for dangerous vehicle failures is missing fluids in different systems of the vehicle. Coolant or oil leaks can cause an engine to quickly overheat, and even catch fire. Even the fuel lines and tank can have problems. Fuel filters, which keep out impurities including water, scale, rust, and dirt, can get dirty and cause diesel trucks to stall, which is very dangerous on a busy road. Be sure to pop the hood and check your main fluids regularly to help prevent dangerous scenarios. Also check your driveway for puddles of fluid, which could also indicate dangerous leaks.
Car malfunctions can’t always be predicted, but drivers can help prevent them. By being diligent, checking under the hood frequently, and taking the car to a mechanic regularly, you can help prevent car problems and the dangerous car accidents they cause. If, unfortunately, you’ve been a victim of an auto crash, a personal injury attorney or car accident attorney can help you determine whether the case is worth filing a claim or not. Make sure to speak with your auto accident attorney for proper legal assistance.
