Urban traffic seems to demand that we constantly defend our rightful place on the road, and it can make allowing for safe driving distances seem nearly impossible. The fact is, however, that if something happens ahead to alter the course of traffic, the distance you keep between your own car and the one ahead of you can mean the difference between avoiding a dangerous accident and failing to do so.
Beware Semis and other Massive Vehicles
Semi-trucks are many, many times heavier and larger than the vehicles we drive, and as a result, they require much longer stopping distances. This also applies to other large vehicles like RVs and motorhomes. When you share the road with commercial trucks – which are becoming more and more prevalent on our highways – always take this into consideration and allow yourself plenty of space when you pull in front of such vehicles.
Drive Defensively
Traffic has a way of making us all feel a bit overwhelmed, but remembering the tenants of driving defensively can help keep you safe out there. While leaving space in between your car and the one ahead of you is often translated as an invitation for another vehicle to insinuate itself into the open space, it remains the safest practice. Positioning yourself on the road in a manner that allows you the most open space around your vehicle is always the safest option, and often that positioning involves staying in one of the right-most lanes.
What Lies Ahead
In a perfect world, traffic would always proceed safely forward, but traffic is subject to myriad variables that can lead to unexpected and potentially dangerous situations. Any number of obstacles can lead to an unforeseeable change in traffic that can leave you in the critical position of having to make a split-second decision related to safety – the more space you have in front of you, the better off you are (regardless of the cause). Such variables can include:
- An animal, such as a deer, on the road
- An accident or obstacle caused by a drunk, distracted, drowsy, aggressive, or otherwise negligent driver
- A broken-down car on the road
- A badly worn or otherwise dangerous roadway
- Unexpected road construction
- An ambulance or fire truck moving through traffic
Whatever the impediment to smooth, safe driving, every motorist is responsible for reacting safely, and the more space you manage to allow yourself on the road, the better prepared you will be to avoid dangerous accidents.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help
If another motorist's negligence leaves you injured, you face a difficult path toward recovery ahead. Brett Pritchard is a formidable personal injury attorney who cares about your case and is committed to skillfully advocating on behalf of your rights and for your rightful compensation. We are on your side, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.