All kinds of things can cause accidents on the road. Some accidents aren’t your fault at all, and you can’t avoid them, even if you’re a perfect driver. You can also avoid others by driving responsibly and making sure always to be aware of your surroundings. Knowing some of the biggest hazards on the road can help you to avoid them or at least try to prevent them from causing too much damage. Some of these hazards are the behaviors of other drivers, but others are environmental factors. Have a look at some of the biggest dangers on the roads and how you can navigate them.
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving has become a growing problem on the roads. It seems that as cars and driving change through the years, there are more distractions. First, we could listen to the radio and play music in our vehicles, then we could talk on the phone, then text, and now many cars have touch screens that can provide a huge distraction. Distracted driving is the number one cause of traffic accidents in the US, and distractions can range from putting on makeup to having a conversation with a passenger. It’s important to get rid of as many distractions as possible while at the wheel and to pay attention to any other drivers who might be distracted.
Intoxicated Drivers
Drivers under the influence of alcohol and other drugs are also a huge factor in the number of traffic accidents. Drugs and alcohol impair your thinking and slow your reaction times. If you’re going to drive, it’s best not to drink or take any drugs at all. Even some prescription medications don’t mix well with driving. You can take responsibility for your own behavior, but you can also help out by watching out for friends and family. Don’t let your loved ones drive while under the influence, no matter what it takes to stop them. If you can’t stop them getting into the car, you can call the police.
Animals
While people have to get a license to drive on the road, animals can’t be governed by such human laws. They’ll do pretty much whatever they want, and there are plenty of places where you need to be careful and watch out for them. From domestic dogs and cats to large animals like deer, you never know when an animal might jump out in front of your vehicle. You can watch out for signs warning you of animals, but you also just have to pay attention to your surroundings and use your lights when necessary. If you are faced with a possible accident with an animal, avoid suddenly swerving and stay in the same lane.
Trucks and Large Vehicles
Trucks and other large vehicles on the road can cause a huge amount of damage. Because of their sheer size and due to some trucks being articulated, accidents with trucks can be devastating. Anyone who has the misfortune of being involved in a truck accident can get advice by contacting LowryLaw.com or a similar service. Truck accidents often lead to serious and permanent injury and often involve fatalities too. You don’t have to be a truck driver to help prevent accidents on the road. Being vigilant when you know there is a truck on the road can help you to avoid getting into any trouble. Some defensive driving techniques can help you stay safe.
Speeding
Most people have probably given into the urge to go over the speed limit at some point. A lot of the time, you might think that it’s no big deal. But speeding causes many accidents, especially when people are well over the speed limit. The faster you’re going, the longer it will take for you to stop. If you’re going too fast in a school zone and a child darts out in front of you, it could be too late by the time you’ve put your foot on the brake. Don’t speed when you’re driving, and try to get out of the way of other drivers who are going too fast.
Bad Weather
Adverse weather conditions make it more difficult to drive. Whether it’s wet on the roads, there are high winds, or you’re dealing with snow and ice, you need to be more careful. Ideally, everyone would slow down when the roads are more difficult to navigate, but not everyone does. It’s important to be vigilant when the weather is bad, taking control of your driving and watching out for other drivers too. Pay attention to extra hazards on the road, from ice to fallen trees. Prepare your vehicle for bad weather too, by checking things like your tires and headlamps.
Reckless Driving
Someone doesn’t have to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol to be driving recklessly or erratically. Reckless driving doesn’t just include speeding. People make dangerous decisions on the road every day and might not care about their safety or the safety of anyone else. Sometimes, you might even notice a police chase on the road – which calls for getting out of the way as soon as you can. If you see anyone driving recklessly, the best thing to do is try to stay out of their way. You can also report them to the authorities.
Driving at Night
Driving at night is often one of the biggest challenges for new drivers. It’s tricky to get it right and stay safe on the road. If you’re driving in the dark, whether morning or night, you’re nearly twice as likely to get into a car accident. You should make sure that you’re even more careful and vigilant on the road in the dark. Another thing to be aware of is driver fatigue. If you’re tired, whether it’s nighttime or not, it’s time to pull over and get some rest instead of attempting to continue driving.
There are always hazards to watch out for on the road. You need to be able to adjust your driving to navigate different hazards and to be a responsible driver.