Top Causes of Car Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Roseville is the largest city in Placer County, California, U.S. This city is mostly covered by numerous shopping centers, parks, and recreational facilities. The city’s rapid population and commercial growth have led to significant traffic congestion. Every time you get behind the wheel, there’s a world of things that could go sideways.

In Roseville, CA, car crashes aren’t rare. Law enforcement reports show hundreds of collisions each year, many involving distracted drivers or speeding. Some hurt people badly; others leave only fender-benders. Either way, there’s a big cost—financially, emotionally, and sometimes legally. 

If you or someone you love is in a crash here, knowing your rights matters. That’s when you might look for a car accident lawyer in Roseville, CA. They understand local traffic laws, what evidence to gather, and how to work with insurance so you’re not left paying more than you should. 

Major Causes of Car Accidents and How to Avoid Them 

1. Distracted Driving 

Phones, food, and even talking to passengers can split your focus. In California, Vehicle Code §23123 makes it illegal to hold a phone while driving. Still, distracted driving remains a top cause of collisions. A glance at a text can mean missing a red light or a pedestrian. 

How to prevent it: 

• Keep your phone out of reach or on “Do Not Disturb.” 
• Set GPS routes before you move. 
• If something needs your attention, pull over. 

2. Speeding 

There are speed limits for a reason. In Roseville, when you look at the number of collisions involving speeding, the high-volume roads like Highway 65 and I-80 are the most common sites for speeding. 

The faster you drive, the less time and distance you have to react. California Vehicle Code §22350 states that you have the duty as a driver to operate a vehicle at a speed that is “reasonable or prudent” based on road conditions and traffic, not just the speed limit. 

How to prevent it: 

• Leave earlier so you don’t rush. 
• Drive at the speed of traffic, not just the posted limit. 
• Remember that weather changes affect safe stopping distances. 

3. Driving Under the Influence 

Both alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and alter judgment. In the California Vehicle Code §23152, the legal blood alcohol limit for the average person is 0.08%. However, even if it is below 0.08%, you may still be too unsafe to operate a motor vehicle. 

The police department within the city limits of Roseville prioritizes arresting people under the influence. If you are arrested for driving under the influence, you may also have other consequences, such as losing your driver’s license, costly fines, and potentially jail time. 

How to prevent it: 

• Use a rideshare or designated driver. 
• Keep track of how alcohol affects you—everyone reacts differently. 
• Never assume you’re “fine to drive” after only a drink or two. 

4. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs 

Intersections are hotspots for collisions. Drivers push through yellow lights or roll through stop signs to save a few seconds. These shortcuts can cause side-impact crashes, which are often severe. 

How to prevent it: 

• Approach lights prepared to stop, not speed up. 
• Make full stops and count two seconds before moving. 
• Double-check cross traffic, even if you have the green. 

5. Fatigue and Drowsy Driving 

Late-night shifts, long commutes, or even a poor night’s sleep put you at risk. Fatigue has effects similar to alcohol. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) links thousands of crashes each year to drowsy driving. 

How to prevent it: 

• Rest before long drives. 
• Take breaks every two hours. 
• If you feel your eyes closing, pull over for a short nap. 

6. Weather Conditions 

Rain is rare in Roseville, but when it hits, roads become slick with oil buildup. Even light showers can double stop distances. Fog in winter also reduces visibility. 

How to prevent it: 

• Increase the following distance. 
• Use headlights in fog, not high beams. 
• Slow down even if others don’t. 

Key Takeaways 

1. Distracted driving is the leading cause—phones and multitasking increase crash risk. 
2. Speeding reduces reaction time; California law requires “reasonable and prudent” driving. 
3. Driving under the influence remains dangerous and heavily penalized. 
4. Running red lights and stop signs often leads to severe intersection crashes. 
5. Fatigue affects drivers like alcohol—rest and breaks are key. 
6. Weather makes roads slick; slow down and increase following distance.