How do you get to and from work? What about getting groceries or meeting up with friends for dinner? One of the most popular forms of travel is driving. It is a great invention that has made traveling quickly possible. Without driving, we would still take days to travel to the next town. With all of the people on the road, it increases the risk of car accidents. Car accidents are never fun. While not all accidents are preventable, some of them are. Regardless of the cause, car accidents are frustrating, costly, and potentially deadly. Knowing some of the most common ways to get into a car accident can help you prepare to be on the road and make you a safer driver.
1. Distracted Driving
It is no secret that driving while distracted makes it easier to get into an accident. Even taking your eyes off the road for a second can cause you to get into an accident. This is why it is important to pay attention while you are behind the wheel to see all dangers you may encounter while driving.
Some examples of distracted driving include:
- Texting
- Turning around (to look in the backseat, for example)
- Loud music
- Eating
- Fixing makeup or hair
- Glare from sunlight
- Daydreaming
- Anything else that may be distracting for the driver
2. Speeding
Driving faster than the speed limit heightens the risk of an accident while driving. If there is an accident or roadblock, you may not be able to safely stop in time if you are driving too fast. Driving at an unsafe speed also makes it easier to lose control of the car. Driving fast might be fun for a moment, but that can easily change in a split second.
3. Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence might be one of the most obvious car accident causes. However, it is crucial to be aware because people still drive under the influence regardless of the danger. Getting behind the wheel while drunk is potentially dangerous for both the driver and other road users. Drunk driving is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. Many cases of drunk driving car accidents result in injury and death. People who have been injured in car accidents or family members of these who have denied will need lawyers Perth to help them with their claims. If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911 and report it immediately.
4. Bad Weather
Have you ever noticed that there are more accidents on the road when the weather is bad? Many bad weather conditions can lead to accidents. Some examples are the first rain of the season, foggy days, snow, and extreme winds. In poor weather seasons, check the weather forecast before you set out. If you are stuck in bad weather, drive extremely carefully, and if you can, stay off the road. It is better to be safe than sorry.
5. Ignoring Traffic Signals
You are putting yourself and others at risk when you run a red light, whether you are rushing or not seeing it. By failing to follow the traffic signals, you may cause an accident. It is also important to note that if you are following proper traffic signals, it is not guaranteed that others on the road are. Keep a lookout before proceeding. The traffic signals are there to keep traffic organized and prevent accidents. Follow traffic signals to avoid car accidents and also to avoid getting tickets.
6. Driving at Night
Driving at night might be easier for some than it is for others. As the night falls, driving becomes a bit more challenging, and potential hazards may be easier to miss. Something to be on high alert for is pedestrians in dark clothing. Do not assume that everyone on the road can see well at night just because you can.
7. Reckless Driving
When driving, stay alert for reckless drivers. The driver may weave in and out of traffic, be tailgating, not use their signals, and do many other things to be considered reckless driving. You can not control other drivers, so you need to pay attention to others on the road so that accidents can be prevented. When reckless drivers are on the road, it is not always possible to prevent accidents – in this case, get to safety and call 911 if needed.
8. Fatigue/Drowsiness
Something to be aware of is how tired you are while driving. If you are making a long commute is important to have several rest breaks and trade who is driving if possible. Falling asleep at the wheel is extremely dangerous and is equivalent to driving under the influence. Being tired can affect your reaction time and sense of direction while driving, which also increases your chances of a car accident.
9. Inexperienced Driving
When a new driver is on the road, there are a lot of things that they might not know. A lot of driving knowledge comes with getting more experience behind the wheel. New drivers are more likely to get confused in complicated traffic, have slow reaction times, and possibly not know how to react in hazardous conditions. If you are new to driving, it is essential to be safe and pay attention to your surroundings. Car accidents can quickly occur. Following the motor vehicle accident you should consider whether you will need assistance with your claim from accident lawyers.
There are many variables that can cause car accidents. This is why it is important to practice safe driving, pay attention to the road, and call 911 when you see other reckless or under the influence drivers. Anyone can be involved in a car accident, regardless of their age or experience level. Sometimes car accidents can still happen even if you are doing everything in your power to be safe. Before you get behind the wheel, think about what is at stake. Have you been drinking? Stay safe and call an Uber. Are you exhausted? Stay home and get some rest. Is it very foggy? Stay home or if you have to drive, do so with extreme caution. Don’t put your life at risk by driving recklessly.
