How to Handle Common Roadside Distractions

We have all had it happen, and when it does it puts things into perspective. You are driving and you pass an accident and it reminds you that at any time accidents can happen. Or maybe you are involved in a close call on the road. You zone out for a minute and before you know it you are slamming on the breaks because you are seeing all red brake lights in front of you. Your brakes are squealing and you may even have to swerve out of the way to avoid a collision. 

These incidents get your heart racing and blood pumping. They are scary and you are lucky when there is no harm that results. The good thing that these experiences do is gives us a real insight into our behavior while behind the wheel. We can examine our driving practices and re-evaluate how to change things so that we can get back to driving in a safer manner. There are a number of situations where you should be extra cautious.

Obstacles On The Road

Passing Cars: It happens too often that a car passes you cutting it too close and not giving enough room. This is an aggressive form of driving and while you might feel overly emotional and frustrated at another driver, passing like this is very dangerous. There are numerous situations recorded that show the serious accidents occurring as a direct result of this behavior. Always use your mirrors and be alert and aware of your surroundings when you are ready to pass another car. Show your intentions with your turn signal and accelerate to pass at a point where there is ample room. Be aware of what is in front of you and on all sides and have a strategy in place so that if you find you are unable to pass the vehicle you know where to safely go next.

Cars On The Side Of The Road: Cars may be on the side of the road for any number of reasons. They may have broken down or the driver may have deliberately pulled over. If you must pull over on the road, parking your vehicle as far away from the road and traffic as possible is advised. Only pull over on the shoulder as the last resort if there is not a possibility of finding a parking lot or other place far away from traffic to stop. Stay in your car while if you can, but if you must exit, always do on the side that is not next to moving traffic. When you are a driver seeing a car on the side on the road, slow your speed and change lanes so there is ample room between your car and the stopped car for safety.

Motorcycles: Motorcycles are small vehicles that are not as easily seen as other cars and trucks. It can be difficult to tell how far they actually are and how fast they are going. As you are approaching one of these bikers allow yourself plenty of room because of this. Keep aware of your blind spots and so that when you are changing lanes there isn’t a driver in am motorcycle near your automobile. According to the NHTSA, 41% of two-vehicle fatal crashes where a motorcycle was present took place when the larger car was making a lefthand turn while the motorcyclist was still driving straight. 

Motorcyclists must also give proper room to other cars and ensure they have their headlights on at all times to increase their visibility. Bikers should wear all appropriate protective gear, most importantly, a helmet. Bikers must use their signals and be alert to their environment.

Reliable Arizona Legal Aid 

If you weren’t lucky enough to have a close call and instead had an accident, you will need the help of an Arizona automobile accident injury lawyer at ELG. Navigating the personal injury claims process can be tricky depending on the details of your accident. One of our bilingual Phoenix serious injury attorneys at ELG is here to advise you on the best path forward.

Call the resourceful and talented lawyers at ELG at 623-562-3838 to set up your free consultation at either of our locations in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona.