Every time that you drive, there’s a risk that you will be injured in a car accident. This risk is not entirely up to you and may not be up to you at all. You can drive safely and follow all traffic laws, but you could still get hit by some other driver who has made a dangerous or negligent decision.
In an effort to avoid accidents, it can be helpful to know what dangerous activities these drivers engage in. You can then focus on being a defensive driver, identifying threats and working to reduce the odds of being involved in a crash.
Distracted driving
One of the most common things that happens is simply that drivers get distracted in the car. You have likely seen drivers texting and driving, using their phone to stream music, looking down as they program a GPS, etc. Even parents are distracted when they have children in the car with them, and teens can be distracted by their friends who are passengers. There are nearly endless options for distraction, which is why accidents caused by distraction are so common.
Turning left
One risk that you can avoid is making a left turn. This is known to be one of the most dangerous things that a driver can do as they cross oncoming traffic lanes. Turning left puts you in serious jeopardy because accidents are always more likely and you’re counting on other drivers not to make mistakes at a crucial moment. This is why UPS and some other companies instruct their drivers not to turn left unless they have no other choice.
Fatigued driving
Finally, driving while tired is incredibly common. Maybe someone is exhausted after a long day at the office or maybe they’re still tired on their morning commute because they just woke up and they haven’t finished their coffee yet (by the way, coffee is another common driving distraction). The Sleep Foundation notes that fatigued driving and drunk driving are incredibly similar and can both be very dangerous.
What are your options?
Understanding these risks can help, but there’s nothing you can do to guarantee you won’t be injured due to someone else’s negligence. If you are, then you need to know how to pursue financial compensation for your medical bills and other costs. Seeking legal guidance is a good place to start.