Every time you see a wreck as you travel along Pennsylvania highways, you likely fear the day that you might be a victim of a car accident. An auto accident can happen to anybody, at any time. Even the most careful driver is vulnerable to unsafe roads or negligent drivers of other vehicles. However, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself.
If you take time to learn about some of the common accident types and understand what causes them, you will also reduce the chances of being an accident victim. Having all the information possible will allow you to establish strategies to avoid auto accidents.
Auto accident causes
While there is an endless list of things that could cause car accidents, those that happen most frequently typically involve some driver error like failure to pay attention or disregard of basic driving rules. The following are accident types that you could avoid by not making those basic errors:
- Smashing into parked vehicles: This is one of the most common accident types that represents a perfect example of driver error. It could happen to anyone who does not take proper note of the surroundings and does not know the size of his or her car.
- Rear-end collisions: Distraction is the typical cause of rear-end accidents. What makes these crashes so dangerous is the fact that even at slow speeds they can cause serious injuries with long-term consequences.
- Hydroplaning: Hitting standing water on the roadway can be dangerous. However, if you do not reduce speed, the tires of your vehicle will not replace the water, and the remaining layer of water can cause you to lose control of your car.
These are just some of the most common accident types to add to the list that also includes drunk driving, side-impact and even collisions with animals.
What can you do to avoid accidents?
After learning as much as you can about common accidents, you can work on a strategy to avoid them. Because driver errors cause most crashes, learning more about those errors and knowing what to look out for, you can lower your chances of crashing. Taking note of the following might benefit your strategizing:
- Vehicle condition: Make sure your vehicle is in excellent condition, worn tires and defective brakes are just some of the dangers of a poorly maintained car.
- Do not exceed speed limits: Too many motorists die due to excessive speed, and this includes the failure to slow down when driving in adverse weather conditions. If you spot a speeding vehicle, make way and let them pass.
- Avoid distractions: Safe driving requires a focused driver because a moment of distraction can claim your life. Avoid using your mobile phone, the touchscreen of the car, along with eating and drinking until you can pull off the road.
- Do not drink and drive: Do not drive after consuming alcohol, and it might be wise not to drive yourself to a place where you plan to drink alcohol. Always scan the road for drivers showing signs of intoxication, and be extra vigilant on national holidays.
These notes might encourage you to learn more about common crash types and then expand your strategies to stay safe. However, regardless of your vigilance, you might still be involved in an accident. If that happens as the result of another party’s negligence, you might have grounds to seek recovery through the civil justice system of Pennsylvania.