Lincoln Traffic Accidents: How to Avoid Them
Motorists who live in Lincoln and the surrounding areas of Northern California may wonder what the risk is of being involved in traffic accidents. Unfortunately, the risk is fairly high, so it is important to know what they are and how to try and avoid them. Statistics by the Insurance Information Institute show that more than 40,000 people around the country died in motor vehicle accidents in 2017, which is the latest year of compiled data. That year, the odds of being involved in a traffic collision and dying were one out of 8,096. The odds throughout a person’s lifetime of becoming a traffic accident fatality are one out of 103, and most people will be involved in motor vehicle accident four times during their life. In the following blog, we will explore the most dangerous types of traffic accidents and ways to reduce your risk of being involved in one.
Rollovers
Only 2.1 percent of all motor vehicle accidents involve a rollover. However, this accounts for 35 percent of all traffic accident fatalities. Consumer Reports states that vans, pickups, and SUVs account for the highest number of rollover accidents. This is because these types of vehicles tend to be top-heavy and have a higher center of gravity. Rollovers can occur from going around a curve too quickly, being broadsided by another vehicle, or overcorrecting. Tire grip is important too because too much allows sideways forces to increase and can result in a rollover. Ways to avoid a rollover include:
- Drive a newer vehicle when possible because more safety features are present to protect the driver and passengers and prevent traffic accidents such as a rollover.
- Check the tires to ensure they are in good condition and properly inflated.
- Overloading or badly loading the vehicle, especially SUVs and pickups, can cause them to tip. Always put the heaviest load as close to the center of the car or truck as possible.
- Excess speed is responsible for up to 40 percent of all rollovers, so staying within the speed limit can help.
- Drivers who do not wear seat restraints are much more likely to die in a rollover or be ejected from the vehicle, which carries a high risk of death.
Intersection Traffic Accidents
About 40 percent of all traffic accidents occur at intersections. This is easy to understand because the traffic is coming from multiple directions, and a driver has to depend on others in order to stay safe and avoid a traffic accident. Ways to stay safe when passing through an intersection include:
- Always assume other drivers are not going to obey traffic laws, and keep a look out for a vehicle running a red light or making an illegal turn before proceeding.
- Slow down when nearing an intersection.
- Keep scanning and don’t assume that the way is clear.
- Remember what children are taught by looking left, right and left again before proceeding.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
In 2017, single-vehicle accidents accounted for 54 percent of traffic fatalities. Many of these accidents involved road departures where the vehicle struck a guardrail or tree or crashed into a ravine. In order to reduce the risk of a single-vehicle accident, do the following:
- Don’t speed. Speeding contributes to a high number of all types of accidents. The faster the speed, the more likely the driver will lose control of their vehicle.
- Avoid fatigued driving: Many single-vehicle accidents occur at night when the driver is too tired to be behind the wheel of a car. Calling a rideshare or a friend to pick you up is a better idea.
- Don’t drink or do drugs and drive: Those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs exhibit poor reflexes and judgment, and this can contribute to a single-vehicle accident.
How a Lawyer Helps
When you are injured in a traffic accident, we send our investigators out to the site right away to interview witnesses, go over the police report for mistakes and conduct an investigation. Traffic and business cameras can provide valuable evidence as well as road marks such as skids, potholes, and debris. Once all the evidence is gathered, it is handed over to our lawyers. They can compile this evidence into a strong case to present in court or to deal with the insurance company for you. In this way, you can obtain the compensation you deserve to pay for your medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses.
Lincoln Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Lincoln car accident lawyer. If negligence caused your accident injuries, I would like to offer you my free and friendly advice. Phone me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Others prefer to message me using our online form.
I’ve helped Lincoln residents as well as other Northern Californians to get fair compensation for their injuries since 1982. Some areas I represent clients in include wrongful deaths, any type of traffic collision and brain injuries, and other traumas.
Find out about my law practice by going to:
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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