The Top Dangers on the Road

Every time you get behind the wheel, you realize that you’re at risk of being injured in an accident. However, when you understand the top dangers on the road, you’re in better position to avoid trouble.

Here are five of the top dangers, all of which continue to cause serious accidents in New Jersey and across the country:

• Distracted driving: Even with laws in place to protect against it, distracted driving remains a problem. This includes but is not limited to texting, talking on the phone, searching for items in your vehicle, eating, drinking, smoking and conversing with passengers.
• Drunk driving: A drunk driver is one who is more likely to cause an accident, as their judgement is impaired. While you can do your part in preventing drunk driving, you can’t stop others from consuming alcohol and getting behind the wheel.
• Aggressive driving: You know the type. These are the people who speed, change lanes without signaling and scream at anyone and everyone who gets in their way. The best way to combat this is by driving defensively.
• Traffic: You can face traffic jams on any road at any time of the day. When traffic patterns change, drivers must alter their style. Most do so, but some neglect to adjust.
• Weather: Just the same as traffic, weather can change without notice. One second it’s sunny and dry, but the next you’re in the middle of a rainstorm with strong winds. It’s important to make changes to your driving style when the weather conditions are less than ideal.

While these are among the top dangers on the road, there are many others that could pop up without notice and cause an accident. That’s why you must remain diligent at all times.

If a negligent driver causes an accident, regardless of the reason, focus your immediate attention on moving to safety, calling 911 and stabilizing your health until help arrives at the scene.

Upon receiving medical care, work with your doctor to better understand your injuries, prognosis and treatment strategy. This will lead you toward making a recovery, during which you can file an insurance claim and learn more about other means of obtaining compensation for your injuries and related damages.