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A car accident can occur anywhere, however, there are a few places where collisions happen more frequently. Below are several common car accident locations.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than one-third of all car accidents happen at intersections. What makes intersections so dangerous? Intersections can be complex. Not all intersections are four roads converging. Some involve only three roads. Others may include multiple roads and complicated traffic patterns, especially for newer drivers.
Distracted driving can also cause an intersection accident. If drivers are not paying attention to what is happening around them, they may be more inclined to run a red light, slam into the back of a stopped vehicle, or make a left turn into oncoming traffic.
What is the best way to avoid a car accident at a busy intersection? It is crucial to pay attention to what is happening around you. The more you stay in tune with the flow of traffic, the easier you can bypass mishaps.
When you approach a sharp turn, you are not able to see what is around the curve, such as a stopped car, icy road, or an animal crossing the path. The best way to reduce getting into a crash at a sharp turn is to slow down. You may want to reduce your speed beyond the posted limit, especially at nighttime or in fog, sleet, snow, or rain. The more time you give yourself to react, the more likely you will be able to veer out of the way in time to avoid a collision.
Most drivers feel fairly safe when they get into traffic jams. Since no one is speeding, some people assume that they have little chance of getting into a crash. However, it is important to think about how other drivers will react to stopped traffic.
Some drivers become aggressive when they are stopped in traffic. They try to look for a way around the traffic, and they may end up switching lanes abruptly or try to ride along the shoulder of the road. Motorcyclists will sometimes cruise between cars, making the situation even worse.
Multi-vehicle car accidents often happen in traffic jams because of aggressive driving. If you are stopped and someone slams into your car from behind, you have no ability to prepare for the force.
Fortunately, you can take a few preventive measures to reduce your chance of getting into an accident in a traffic jam. One is to keep a decent following distance. Another is to keep an eye on the movements of cars behind you.
Many people think of rural roads as places for leisurely drives. However, rural roads are not as safe as you might think. Despite rural road speed limits being lower than highway speeds, a lot of drivers speed.
When you are driving on a rural road, stay attuned to the speed limit. Also, watch out for deer and other animals.
Pedestrian crossings are often congested with traffic, and they can be confusing. You probably have driven up to a pedestrian crossing more than once and wondered when you were supposed to move forward. You should allow pedestrians and cyclists to move before you continue. When you start driving forward, be sure that you pump the gas slightly. Never put down the pedal in case someone walks in front of your car suddenly.
According to the NHTSA, drivers are more likely to get injured or killed in an accident while driving within 25 miles of their home. A main reason for this is because a driver’s guard may be down when they are in a familiar area. A driver may know the road so well that they stop paying attention.
Remind yourself that every local trip you take deserves your complete attention. You should avoid all distractions, even when you are close to home. Stow away your cellphone, and turn off the music or radio. Also, eat before you drive, not while cruising.
Even if you drive defensively, you can still end up in an accident because not all motorists follow the rules of the road. You should know what to do after an accident.
After a collision, you need to get checked out by a medical professional, even if the accident does not seem to be serious. You may have a severe, costly injury. You may also want to speak to a car accident lawyer to talk about your legal options.
A car accident can happen anywhere, and one might leave you with a serious injury. If you have been injured in a collision, our Delaware car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can offer legal assistance. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.