Texas Defensive Driving Written Practice Test 2026 - Free Defensive Driving Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary cause of most traffic collisions is driver error. This encompasses a broad range of factors, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving (due to alcohol or drugs), aggressive driving, and failure to adhere to traffic signals and signs. Human error is often cited in accident reports as the leading contributor to traffic incidents because it reflects the decisions and actions of drivers behind the wheel.

While weather conditions, mechanical failures, and poor road conditions can contribute to accidents, they are typically less frequent causes compared to the choices made by drivers. For instance, adverse weather can create challenging driving conditions, but ultimately, it is the driver's response to those conditions that plays a critical role in whether a collision occurs. Similarly, mechanical issues may lead to accidents, but these are generally due to a lack of maintenance or oversight by the driver. Poor road conditions can certainly contribute to hazards, yet the individual decision-making of drivers is the decisive factor that frequently results in collisions.