Most car crashes aren’t random events—they’re preventable. In many cases, reckless or negligent driving behaviors are to blame. According to a recent AAA study, three major factors frequently lead to serious collisions: speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving.
“Behind every deadly statistic is a real person,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation. “This work helps us uncover the public’s perspective on traffic safety, enabling the creation of targeted solutions that make a real difference in reducing traffic crashes and fatalities.”
When reckless drivers cause serious crashes, the aftermath can be overwhelming for victims. Medical bills, lost wages, and dealing with insurance companies can create enormous stress. That’s why having an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
How Speeding Drivers Cause Serious Car Accidents
According to the AAA survey, drivers were categorized into five distinct profiles. The largest group—34.9%—identified as “safe drivers.” However, “speeding drivers” made up a significant portion of the survey.
Many drivers underestimate the dangers of speeding, but driving too fast significantly increases the risk of a crash. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and make it harder to avoid collisions. The survey’s findings highlight how common this issue is:
- 49% of drivers admitted to going 15 mph over the speed limit on a highway within the past 30 days.
- 36% admitted to driving 10 mph over the limit on residential streets in the last month.
Speeding may seem harmless, but these behaviors often lead to devastating car accidents. When reckless drivers cause injuries, victims have the right to seek compensation for their losses.
How Distracted Driving Leads to Car Accidents
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car crashes and includes any activity that takes a driver’s focus off the road. Common distractions range from texting and handling a phone to eating, applying makeup, or interacting with passengers. According to AAA, 19% of drivers fall into the "distracted driver" category. The survey findings revealed:
- 27% of drivers admitted to sending a text or email while driving in the past 30 days.
- 37% admitted to reading a text or email behind the wheel.
- 36% held a phone while driving within the past month.
Distracted driving creates unnecessary risks, often leading to serious accidents that could have been prevented. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, seeking guidance from an experienced attorney can lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable.
Aggressive Driving Endangers Everyone on the Road
Aggressive driving involves reckless behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, making sudden lane changes, and ignoring traffic laws, such as failing to stop at stop signs. According to AAA’s survey, 11% of drivers fall into the “aggressive driver” category.
Even more alarming, the survey revealed that 27% of drivers admitted to running a red light at least once in the past 30 days—a startling figure that highlights how dangerous aggressive driving can be. These behaviors put everyone at risk, turning routine drives into potentially life-threatening situations.
How Serious Are Dangerous Driving Habits in Indiana?
Data from recent reports highlights the devastating impact of reckless driving on Indiana’s roads:
- Speeding: In 2022, 30% of car accident fatalities in Indiana (290 out of 949 deaths) were linked to speeding, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Distracted Driving: Zutobi reports that 6% of Indiana’s fatal crashes in 2022 (63 deaths) involved distracted drivers. However, the real number may be much higher since many distracted driving incidents go unreported.
Aggressive driving statistics are harder to pinpoint because this behavior covers a wide range of violations and is not always listed as a contributing factor in crashes. Still, most Indiana drivers can attest to encountering aggressive drivers who create chaos and danger on the roads.
Preventing Dangerous Driving Habits
Our Indiana Law Firm Holds Negligent Drivers Accountable
Claims involving car accidents caused by reckless drivers often become more complicated than expected. Insurance companies—especially those representing at-fault drivers—are notorious for downplaying claims to save money. With mounting medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs, getting full compensation can feel like an uphill battle.
At Glaser & Ebbs, we’re here to make sure you don’t face this fight alone. Our legal team has decades of experience getting meaningful results for our clients, including securing a $16 million settlement in one case. We know how to navigate the system and push back against insurance tactics designed to shortchange you.
With over 100 years of combined trial experience and offices throughout Indiana, including Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, we’re ready to fight for you. And with our contingency fee policy, you pay nothing unless we win.
Don’t let an insurance company decide what your case is worth—contact Glaser & Ebbs today for your free consultation and get the legal support you need when it matters most.
“They take that extra step to communicate with their clients. Even come to your home if needed.” – JCS, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐