About Traffic Accidents

Traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for US travelers abroad.

According to the website Smart Motorist, traffic accidents are defined as unexpected, undesired and unforeseen mishaps involving automobiles. Most importantly, traffic accidents are collisions that often can be avoided through cautious, defensive driving.

Background

Traffic accidents cause injury, property damage and even fatalities. Accidents on the road kill more healthy Americans traveling abroad than terrorism, planes, crime or any other cause, according to Gary Stiller of USA Today.

Causes

Four common factors contribute to most collisions, or traffic accidents, according to Smart Motorist. These are equipment failure, roadway design, poor roadway maintenance and driver behavior. Despite the fact that drivers often assign accident blame to external causes, Smart Motorist notes that driver action is a main factor in accidents 95% of the time.

Insurance

While car insurance cannot fix a life lost in an auto accident, it does offer financial protection for injury and damage caused by accidents. Along with often legally-required liability protection, consumers usually add collision coverage to car insurance policies. This insurance pays benefits for your injuries and property damage in an accident.

References

• Smart Motorist: What Causes Car Accidents?
• USA Today: Traffic Accidents Are Top Killer of U.S. Travelers Abroad
• Car Insurance: Car Insurance Coverage Definitions