Some of the most dangerous places on the road in Florida are at the intersection of two or more roads. U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) statistics indicate that 43% of all motor vehicle accidents occur at intersections. Despite this alarming statistic, you can do several things to minimize your chance of getting into a vehicle mishap.
Take charge of your actions
How you act behind the wheel can go a long way toward minimizing car accidents. Minimize your distractions inside your vehicle by not using your smartphone, performing self-grooming tasks, or engaging in other activities that could take your eyes off the road. If you are in an accident and the courts can prove that you were distracted, you will be liable for the accident.
Drive defensively by constantly scanning your surroundings and by always making sure to obey local laws. Watch for pedestrians and cross-traffic, even if you have the right of way. By doing so, you will be better able to avoid potential hazards.
Why defensive driving is important
Many different factors contribute to four-way stop accidents. These include:
- Poor road design
- Not seeing oncoming traffic until it’s too late due to poor visibility
- Intersections where the crossroads have highly differing speeds
- Poor driver training
- Exhibiting risky driving behaviors
Driving defensively will not completely reduce these risks but will help minimize them.
Those who ignore laws and drive recklessly can cause major accidents involving catastrophic injuries or even death. Innocent victims deserve compensation for injuries received in such mishaps. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you put your life back together by exploring the legal routes available. Working with an attorney can help hold the other driver accountable.