Are you worried about keeping safe while driving? Not to worry, several safety regulations can help you avoid getting into a car accident in Virginia Beach. Read on for more information about them.
Auto crashes make up most of the cases many Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys handle. From brain injuries to fractures, spinal cord damage, etc., these accidents can cause catastrophic injuries for victims. In some cases, the victims don’t live to tell the story, especially in the absence of emergency services/care. According to the Association for Safe International Road, there are 3,700 auto accident fatalities every day.
There are different types of car collisions in Virginia Beach. The most common ones are rear-ended accidents, single-vehicle crashes, head-on collisions, and T-bone accidents. Many times, these crashes are due to dangerous or aggressive driving habits. Fortunately, this also means that motorists can significantly reduce their accident risk using defensive driving techniques.
Besides car collisions, defensive driving is also useful for avoiding pedestrian accidents, bus crashes, bike accidents, etc. This article will discuss how obeying traffic laws and employing defensive driving can protect you from auto accidents. We’ll begin with the common causes of car collisions in Virginia Beach.
What Factors Are Most Likely to Cause a Car Accident in Virginia Beach?
Numerous factors can predispose you to traffic accidents in Virginia Beach. They include the following:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving kills about eight people daily in the United States. It involves manual, visual, and cognitive distractions that take your mind off driving.
Drunk Driving
Drunk drivers cause about 28 traffic fatalities every day, according to an NHTSA report. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is as dangerous as driving with your eyes closed.
Speeding
Aside from negatively affecting your driving record, speeding is one of the common causes of traffic fatalities.
Bad Weather and Road Conditions
From icy roads to heavy rain, inclement weather and dangerous road conditions cause some of the worst accidents. Fogs make it challenging for drivers to see, and rainstorms reduce friction on the roads. Both conditions can impede road safety.
Driver Fatigue
Undergoing numerous tasks without insufficient sleep can make you tired easily. This is usually the case during the holiday season. According to NHTSA, there were 697 drowsy-driving-related accident fatalities in 2019. The majority of these crashes happened between midnight, and 6 am and involved single drivers.
Teenage Drivers
Teenage motorists are more likely to cause a car accident in Virginia Beach due to driver inexperience than more mature drivers.
Defective Parts or Design Defects
Some significant vehicular defects can increase your risk of auto crashes. For example, a faulty brake can cause sudden brake failure on the road.
Nine Essential Safety Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Into a Car Accident in Virginia Beach
There are specific driving regulations and best practices to reduce your traffic crash risk. They include the following:
1. Keep a Safe Distance Between Vehicles
Tailgating is one of the contributory factors to devastating auto collisions, especially rear-end accidents. Following a vehicle too closely means no safety margin to prevent a crash if the driver stops suddenly. Tailgating is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors any motorist can develop.
2. Pay Attention To Road Conditions
Regardless of how regularly you ply a route, always watch out for adverse road conditions. This means that you must avoid distracted driving behaviors at all costs. Attentive motorists can navigate road hazards much better than distracted drivers. Also, be on the lookout for traffic control devices.
3. Take Defensive Driving Courses
Always invest in driver education to improve your driving ability whenever you can. Advance driving skills can be the difference between a close shave and a fatal crash. Defensive driving courses will equip you with all the knowledge you need to avoid dangerous situations on the road.
4. Drive Within the Correct Speed Limit
Speed limits are there for a reason—to regulate the flow of traffic and reduce the risk of accidents. Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of a vehicle crash. You can also get traffic tickets for driving above speed limits. Again, it’s important to remember that driving too slowly may be as dangerous as speeding.
5. Be Extra Careful in Bad Weather
You can avoid a bad weather accident by being more careful in harsh climatic conditions. This means driving as slowly as possible and paying extra attention as you move. It may also mean parking safely and waiting out the adverse weather conditions. That’s especially when there’s a terrible fog that limits your ability to see clearly.
6. Don’t Drink and Drive
Some of the most devastating auto crash fatalities ever involve alcohol-related car accidents. The solution is simple—don’t drink and drive. If you plan on drinking, always ensure that there’s a sober person available to transport you to your destination. Hiring a taxi is always a better alternative to driving drunk or drug-impaired.
7. Wear Your Seatbelt and Use Anti-Lock Brakes
Wearing seatbelts will not prevent a traffic collision. However, it can drastically reduce your risk of severe or fatal injuries in a crash. Seatbelts are to drivers what a bike helmet is to a bicyclist. Anti-lock brakes help you maintain control of your car in emergencies.
8. Inspect Your Vehicle Before Moving
Regular car maintenance and inspection are some of the best ways to ensure your safety on the highway. Essential vehicle parts to check include brake pedals, tires, transmission fluids, and air filters. If you notice any fault with your car, have a mechanic check them immediately.
9. Check and Avoid Blind Spots
Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that you can’t see through windscreens, side, or rearview mirrors. Check them while driving and avoid other drivers’ blind spots.
Reach Out To a Car Accident Attorney Now!
A negligent driver can cause your auto crash within seconds, no matter how carefully you drive. In such a situation, you deserve fair compensation for your hurt. Maximum damages will cover the financial costs of the accident.
However, insurance companies can be difficult to deal with. Therefore, it may be a good idea to hire experienced car accident lawyers to handle your personal injury claim. The Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys at Virginia Injury Law are here to help. Contact us immediately to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
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