What is the primary cause of vehicle collisions?

Distracted driving is considered the primary cause of vehicle collisions because it significantly impacts a driver’s ability to focus on the road and maintain control of the vehicle. When drivers are distracted—whether by their smartphones, passengers, or other activities—they are less likely to notice hazards, react quickly to changes in traffic, or observe traffic signals and signs. This lack of attention can lead to critical decision-making errors, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

While weather conditions, excessive speeding, and mechanical failures can contribute to the risk of collisions, they are often secondary to the immediate influence of driver attention. For instance, adverse weather may make driving conditions more hazardous, but a distracted driver may fail to adjust their driving behavior appropriately in those conditions. Similarly, excessive speeding is a concern, but if a driver is paying attention, they might still manage to avoid a collision even when driving fast. Mechanical failures can lead to accidents, but they are less frequent compared to the day-to-day risk posed by distractions. Thus, the acknowledgment of distracted driving as the leading cause emphasizes the critical need for drivers to stay focused and minimize distractions while on the road.