If someone asked you to picture a car accident, an interstate or highway with vehicles traveling at top speeds would probably come to mind. However, the majority of car accidents take place in areas familiar to victims, and much closer to home,
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident due to another person’s negligence, our nationwide car accident attorneys can help you establish fault, and seek financial compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen?
An annual report published by the National Safety Council shows that roughly 4.57 million people were injured in car accidents nationwide in 2017. According to the report, the most commonly reported accident locations are:
Places Close to Home
Most vehicle accidents take place in areas known to the victim, usually close to home. the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that an estimated 52% of car crash victims in the United States are less than five miles from home when an accident occurs, and 69% are less than 10 miles from home.
Whether you are commuting to or from work or running to the supermarket, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Being in an area known to you does not mean it is safe to become complacent behind the wheel.
Parking Garages and Parking Lots
Parking lots and garages are full of variables that could potentially increase your risk of being involved in a car accident. These variables include inconsistent traffic, pedestrians walking to and from their vehicles, drivers distracted by looking for a spot, distracted drivers, and drivers attempting to A lot of drivers also have a tendency to ignore right-of-way laws when they are in parking lots or garages.
These and numerous other factors make driving through parking lots risky. To avoid an accident, drive slowly and allow plenty of space between your vehicle and other vehicles and pedestrians.
Rural Highways
While it’s true that fewer cars travel rural highways, drivers are at an increased risk of accidents. This has been largely attributed to distracted and drowsy driving and rogue animals. Additionally, a lot of rural roadways are not well maintained, resulting in uneven lanes, potholes, and other hazards that are less prominent on more densely populated roadways.
Two-Lane Roadways
Non-residential two-lane roadways are another common site for car accidents. Drivers feel more comfortable engaging in dangerous passing which raises the odds of an accident. It can also increase the odds of a head-on collision if the overtaking driver fails to check for oncoming vehicles.
Intersections
When drivers fail to obey driving laws or disregard traffic devices, intersection accidents are likely to occur. Driving violations, like running a stop sign or a red light, can lead to a serious auto accident that results in injuries or death.
In addition to this, many intersections are unregulated, outfitted only with stop signs requiring drivers to yield to other vehicles. Unfortunately, this often causes confusion as to who has the right of way. Car accidents can also happen when someone tries to turn left into a busy intersection.
Car Accident Prevention Strategies
Although you have no control over what other drivers do, there are many steps you can take to avoid being involved in a car accident, including:
Driving Defensively
Practicing defensive driving is the best way to avoid accidents. This includes keeping your focus on the road, anticipating other drivers’ actions, and expecting the unexpected. Being aware of your surroundings and keeping a safe following distance can prevent rear-end crashes and other collisions caused by unexpected maneuvers.
Get Rid of Distractions
Driving while distracted is the number one cause of car accidents. Drivers should avoid using cell phones, programming their GPS, adjusting the radio, or participating in any other activities that take their attention off of the roadway. Even a brief lapse in a driver’s focus could have devastating results. In that same vein, driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving distracted. Although it is not possible for most people to stay home every time they don’t get a good night’s rest, you can take steps to ensure that you do not get behind the wheel when you are sleep-deprived.
Obey All Driving Laws
In addition to being a legal requirement, obeying driving laws is fundamental when it comes to operating a motor vehicle safely. Adhering to traffic laws includes obeying rights of way, traffic signals, stop signs, and speed limits. These laws exist to keep road users safe by ensuring a safe flow of traffic.
Maintain Your Vehicle
A vehicle that is properly maintained is less vulnerable to mechanical failures that could cause a collision. Routinely check your car’s lights, tires, brakes, and any other important components. Proper maintenance will also help prevent unforeseen breakdowns.
Wear Your Seat Belt
In addition to driving defensively, buckling up is the most effective way to reduce your risk of being injured in a car accident. Always make sure that you and your passengers, no matter where they are sitting, are properly restrained. It could save a life.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Although it should go without saying, it doesn’t. You should never, ever get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. If you are not able to operate your vehicle safely, take a cab, and Uber, or ask a friend to pick you up. If you do not have any of those options available to you, then don’t drink.
Mind the Weather
Your driving should always show deference to current weather conditions. If it is raining or snowing or the streets are covered in ice, then increase your following distance and decrease your speed. Reduced visibility caused by fog also demands extra care.
Use Your Turn Indicators
Turn indicators were designed to allow drivers to make their intentions known to those around them. Clear and early communication fosters predictability in driving and reduces the need for sudden and unanticipated maneuvers.
Consult With a Nationwide Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident in a high-risk zone and are seeking reliable legal guidance, reach out to the nationwide car accident attorneys at Local Accident Reports. If another driver’s negligence led to your car accident, we can perform an investigation and ensure you collect the compensation to which you are entitled. Call us today at (888) 657-1460 to schedule your free consultation.
