Near Miss Accidents And How To Avoid Them

If you have driven for any amount of time, you have seen incidents on the road with other cars that could have been a horrific accident but luckily weren’t. You have no doubt been in more than one situation where you had a near-miss accident that made you think twice about your driving behavior and put life and actions into perspective. It doesn’t matter if you have seen others engaged in close-calls on the road or if you have been in one, the result is that you are alert and awakened to the very real threat car accidents have and that they can happen to anyone, at any time. These incidents are frightening but they do help us look at our behavior and provide us some clarity regarding how we are driving.  Here are some tips to help you reduce your chances of being in any type of car accident in Arizona.

Passing Cars

When passing you must allow for appropriate space. When you are behind a driver that is irritating you because they are driving too slowly or not reacting to stop signals promptly, you may want to get away from them as soon as possible. In doing so you may be aggressive and not think about safe driving practices. Don’t fall into the trap where you let your emotions control your logical thought putting you in a situation that you’d never want to be in. If you are going to pass another car, take the time and space necessary to do so safely. Make sure you assess your surroundings so if you are accelerating and the ability to pass the other car safely doesn’t work out, you have a backup plan.

Cars On The Side Of The Road

Everyone who drives experiences an instance that requires them to move to the side of the road. A flat tire, the need to make an urgent phone call, an inconsolable baby in the backseat, are just some of the many reasons drivers pull off to the side of the road. The American Automobile Association provides drivers with safety information and tips. AAA recommends that if you are in a situation where you must pull off to the side of the road, you exit onto the shoulder and get as far away from the road as you possibly can. 

Pulling onto the shoulder isn’t something you should do often because it is a risk, even when it is done correctly. This is why you should only pull off if you need to. Always turn on your hazard lights to ensure that you are highly visible. Ideally, you shouldn’t exit your vehicle, but if you have to exit, stand to the side of your car that is away from the road. Do not stand in front or the back of your car. If you are driving and see a vehicle on the side of the road slow your speed and if you can change lanes away from the vehicle so that it has plenty of space.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are thrilling and fun, but they are highly deadly in accidents with other cars or if their drivers lose control. It doesn’t take any amount of time at all for a motorcycle accident to be deadly and catastrophic. Motorcycles can have reduced visibility on the road which can put them in danger. Drivers should keep a safe distance from motorcycles when they are spotted. It can be hard to figure out timing while driving because their smaller size makes them look much faster and further away than they are. Additionally, motorcycles signals aren’t always as reliable as a passenger vehicle, so be very alert around motorcyclists. 

Motorcyclists have to manage their safety by wearing appropriate safety gear and ensuring that they are as visible as possible to other drivers. Riders shouldn’t weave in and out of traffic or ride the shoulders. Additionally, riders should also keep their headlights on, which helps with visibility. It is highly advised to wear a helmet due to the high risk of death from head injuries.

A Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Can Help When You Have Been Injured In An Accident

ELG’s team of resourceful Phoenix car accident attorneys will help you obtain your deserved compensation after an accident that wasn’t your fault. Some of the many damages and losses that transpire after a car accident including injuries, loss of wages, property damages, and medical expenses. It is important to obtain a fair settlement to help you with these costs. 

Our effective team of Arizona attorneys will help you through the entire personal injury claim process. Don’t wait to set up a free consultation today by calling the attorneys at ELG at either our Phoenix or Mesa personal injury law offices at (623) 562-3838.