What is noted as a primary cause of collisions according to the US Department of Transportation?

The primary cause of collisions, as noted by the US Department of Transportation, is alcohol and drugs. This highlights the significant impact that impaired driving has on road safety. Alcohol and illegal substances can severely impair a driver’s ability to react promptly and make sound judgments, which is vital for operating a vehicle safely. Studies and statistics consistently show that driving under the influence greatly increases the risk of accidents, contributing to a significant percentage of traffic fatalities and injuries. Addressing this issue through education and law enforcement has been a major focus for reducing roadway incidents and enhancing overall safety on the roads.

Other factors like distracted driving, excessive speed, and vehicle malfunctions are also serious concerns in road safety, but the high incidence of alcohol and drug-related crashes places them at the forefront of collision causes according to the data on traffic incidents.