Highways facilitate efficient long-distance travel, but they also carry considerable risks that every driver must recognize. Inattentiveness, speeding, and hazardous conditions contribute to thousands of highway deaths annually across the country. Many deadly car accidents happen in highway zones. Below are several danger areas and tips on how to stay safe:
- Complex interchanges: Poorly designed interchanges, busy merges, and highway transitions create prime conditions for serious wrecks. These areas require rapid decisions and have significant speed differentials between lanes. Approach carefully, reduce speed ahead of time, and keep attention focused to navigate these accident-prone zones safely.
- Rural highways: Empty rural highways might seem safer, but statistics show they have some of the highest fatality rates. Excessive speed, passing maneuvers, lack of lighting, animals in the roadway, and cross-median crashes are chief risks.
- Urban highways: These roads can be incredibly congested and have frequent lane changes. On top of this, many rarely follow speed limits in these areas. Use signals, follow people at a distance, and scan ahead.
- Mountain roads: These roads require extra caution due to steep grades, sharp curves, and drop-offs. Maintain a safe speed, use lower gears, and don’t outdrive sight lines.
- Roads in poor conditions: Poor weather can make any road dangerous. Postpone unnecessary trips if you can, but reduce speed if you must travel. Increase your following distance and avoid abrupt steering or braking.
Our Car Accident Attorneys are Here to Help
By knowing the risks and adjusting your driving habits, you can help reduce the chances of an accident. Drive attentively and defensively every time you get behind the wheel. If you are injured in a highway accident, contact one of our experienced attorneys at Morefield Speicher Bachman to discuss your legal options.