Top 10 Causes of Baltimore Auto Accidents

Top 10 Causes of Baltimore Auto Accidents

As my avid blog followers are aware, I am a Baltimore Chiropractor with three Chiropractic clinics in Baltimore, MD. We recently opened our Southwest Baltimore clinic, located at 4600 Wilkens Avenue #102, Baltimore, MD 21229. As expected we’ve seen an increase in the number of auto accident injuries early in January. Typically these patients present with a constellation of symptoms including, but not limited to, headaches, neck pain, back pain, arm pain, and leg pain. While my staff and I are more than happy to take care of these patients when they present, it became clear to me that auto accident injuries were on the rise. As such, I wanted to take a look at the top 10 causes of Baltimore auto accidents. So here they are in no particular order:

1. Rain/Snow – The elements definitely play a factor in auto accidents. Posted driving speed limits are meant for “ideal” conditions and not compromised conditions. I know that in my clinics shortly after rain and/or snow we typically see an influx of new auto accident injury patients. Please slow down and allow for more time to brake during rainy or snowy conditions.

2. Aggressive Driving – Many people do not provide adequate distances between them and other motor vehicles. They speed aggressively, they slam their brakes, and they change lanes quickly without engaging a turn signal. Remember when you are on the road other drivers need to be able to predict your behavior so that they can drive safely around you.

3. Drunk Driving – While there is a legal limit for alcohol content, I personally think that even a single alcoholic drink impairs decision making, reaction times, and motor control. With the advent of uber and lyft and other ride share applications, we should really be focusing on decreasing the amount of impaired/drunk driving.

4. Distracted Driving – When was the last time you pulled up to a red light and looked next to you, only to see the other drivers looking down at their cell phones? I’m surprised that billboards event exist anymore because I routinely see other drivers staring down at their laps as they drive. I personally think that this is the biggest threat to safety on the roads right now.

5. Speeding – Just about every driver thinks that they are a “good driver” and that speed limits are merely suggestions. The truth is that speed limits exist to help to keep traffic moving and to help prevent catastrophic injuries. Speeding even 5-10 mph over the posted limit doesn’t actually get you to your location any faster, but they do significantly increase your risk of injury.

6. Inexperienced drivers – As anyone who has been a teenager or who has teenagers can attest, experience is an important teacher when it comes to driving. Auto insurance rates are typically higher for teenagers because they are more likely to take chances or make poor decisions behind the wheel.

7. Road Hazards – Potholes, uneven road surfaces, cracks, and road debris also present a hazard while driving. It can force cars to react abruptly, causing a chain reaction of accident avoidance maneuvers which is dangerous for every other car on the road. These should absolutely be reported to 311 so that the city/county can work on correcting them.

8. Construction Zones – Typically these construction zones are littered with road cones and they force traffic into new patterns that we aren’t expecting. If drivers carry too much speed or are driving while distracted, they can easily crash or harm construction workers. There’s a reason why the speeds and penalties are drastically different in these zones, so please be aware.

9. Animals – This is more for rural areas and less for urban ones. But even in Baltimore I’ve seen deer and foxes that make their way into the roadways. They are usually scared and disoriented. They can dart into and out of traffic suddenly and without warning, causing crashes and aggressive driving.

10. Human Error – Despite driver’s education, yearly reinforcement for insurance purposes, and daily driving simply put we are all human and we make mistakes. As long as humans are the main operators of motor vehicles, there will always be human error, and there will always be auto accidents and injuries.

These top 10 causes of auto accidents in Baltimore are by no means the only reasons for auto accidents. Fortunately my clinics are conveniently located throughout Baltimore to help with the acute rehabilitation of these injuries. If you, or someone you know, has been injured as a result of a Baltimore auto accident injury, please contact Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic at 443 842 5500. We would be happy to help!

Dr. Gulitz