It is no surprise that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in New Jersey and across the United States. Unfortunately, it does not appear that will change any time soon. News headlines all too often describe harrowing stories of serious and sometimes fatal car accidents caused by texting while driving and other distractions.
It also comes as no shock that drunk driving has been – and continues to be – another leading cause of unnecessary car accidents.
However, in addition to the Big 2, it is sometimes easy to forget that New Jersey drivers routinely are involved in car accidents caused by many other factors, some of them less obvious than others. We thought we would take this opportunity to point out some common, but lesser-known causes of car accidents. Awareness of what is out there goes a long way in preventing and avoiding unfortunate accidents.
After all, even if you are driving in a safe and careful manner, other drivers may not do the same.
- Teenage Drivers – If you don’t have a teenager yourself, you may not realize how inexperienced teenage drivers can be. In addition to terrible habits such as texting and chatting while driving, teenagers are known for their poor reactions to unsafe driving conditions. If you see a young person driving, it is always a good idea to give them space (as well as a break).
- Improper Turning and Driving the Wrong Way – It is scary how many car accidents happen because people fail to pay attention to traffic signals and signs indicating “One-Way”, “No Left Turn”, etc. People driving in unfamiliar areas are often culprits of these terrible lapses in judgment. Always be aware of the street signs and traffic signals; and take the time to make sure that the coast is clear before hitting the gas.
- Animals in the Road – There are reasons that officials install animal crossing signs on various roads and highways. This is especially true in farm country, wooded areas, isolated parts of the countryside, and any other area that is known for wild animals. New Jersey has its fair share of deer and other critters roaming around, so it is good sense to remain alert for animals in the road, even on the highway.
- Tire Blowouts – Big rigs and tractor trailers are known for their tire blowouts, especially on highways. If driving behind or next to one of these trucks, it is always a good idea to remain aware of this fact. Commercial drivers are usually experienced enough to handle a truck safely during a blowout; but it never hurts to be cautious. Also, many drivers do not know what to do if their own car starts to swerve unexpectedly due to a flat tire. If this happens to you or the car in front of you, be calm, remain in firm control of the wheel, and pull over.
Note: If you get a flat tire and have no idea how to change it (or you cannot safely change it), call for assistance and STAY IN THE CAR.
Sometimes, Despite Your Best Efforts, Accidents Happen Because of Someone Else’s Negligence. If You Were Injured in a Car Accident, Call Petro Cohen
The attorneys at Petro Cohen, P.C. represent injury victims in car accident cases and litigation throughout the State of New Jersey. We have significant experience helping our clients recover compensation for the damages they incurred due to the negligence of someone else. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact the firm today by calling or filling out our online contact form.
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