As a careful driver, you can expect to be safe on the road all your life. But this does not guarantee that you will never have an accident because there are plenty of reckless drivers out there. Moreover, mishaps may happen just because you or the other driver has a bad day because even the best drivers can have one. Even while accidents may happen out of sheer bad luck, you should still know about the potentially dangerous driving behaviors that cause them. Awareness helps you avoid such behaviors yourself and ensure that you may identify these early signs in other drivers on the road. Typically, any form of negligence entitles you to claim compensation from the guilty driver. Here are the common ones you should look out for.
Distracted driving
Any action which leads to the driver’s focus being off the road is regarded as a distraction. In present times, cell phones are the biggest cause of distractions on the road. You cannot expect to talk or text on the phone and still drive safely. Young drivers even play games or post on social media using their cell phones while they are behind the wheel and end up posing danger to their own lives and that of others as well. Distracted driving is far more dangerous than it sounds and the number of accidents associated with it is on an increase.Â
Reckless drivingÂ
Another habit that is responsible for car accidents is reckless driving. There are several actions that come under this category, from speeding to tailgating, running a stoplight and changing lanes without signaling. Going too fast in dangerous weather conditions like heavy rain and snowfall can also lead to road accidents because there are chances of the vehicle getting out of control.
Driving under the InfluenceÂ
A large proportion of car accidents are the result of drivers being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, many of these mishaps cause serious injuries and even death. Experts at Buckingham Barrera Law Firm recommend that you must absolutely file a claim in such cases because this is an offense that shouldn’t be overlooked at any cost. When it comes to DUI, it covers not only the influence of alcohol and drugs. Even prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines that impair the driver’s ability and cause confusion and drowsiness are dangerous.
FatigueÂ
Another action that can cause accidents is fatigue, which often happens with people who are on road for long hours and distant journeys. Although this has nothing to do with recklessness or wrongdoing, being behind the wheel when one is very tired increases the probability of crashes. This is because the driver has a slower reaction time, which makes it harder to respond to sudden and unexpected hazards on the road.
Any behavior that results in a car accident accounts for negligence, whether it is intentional or unintentional. Victims have the right to claim compensation for injuries and damages caused by such road wrecks. If you have been involved in such a negligent accident, it is best to let a seasoned injury lawyer handle the case.Â