4 conditions that can make roads more dangerous

Though driving is an activity that numerous Arizona residents do every day, it is not an activity that comes without risks. You and many other drivers may not think much about these risks, but the reality of driving is that you put your life on the line every time you hit the road. Of course, if people kept this thought in mind, they may not get behind the wheel at all.

Still, it is important to remember that driving is dangerous and that certain conditions can make the activity even more hazardous. Understanding the dangers could help you and other drivers keep safety a top priority and hopefully lessen the likelihood of a serious car accident taking place.

How can you be a safe driver?

One tip for being a safe driver is to look out for roadway conditions that could cause additional hazards. In many cases, these hazards make roads more dangerous because drivers do not make the effort to change the way they drive in order to accommodate these conditions. Some issues to watch out for include the following:

• Road work: Though many people may consider road construction an annoyance, it can also be a serious hazard because many drivers do not slow down enough or pay enough attention to changes in the flow of traffic.
• Permanent conditions: Some dangerous road conditions are permanent fixtures of certain routes. Roads with sharp curves, busy intersections, heavy traffic and other conditions that are typically the norm deserve a careful approach.
• Weather: Though most drivers know that bad weather can make driving more dangerous, numerous people do not slow down or make other accommodations to drive more safely.
• Accidents: Unfortunately, one accident could easily lead to another. Drivers may rubberneck to see the damage or may not realize that traffic ahead is slowing down, which could easily cause another crash.

Any time a potential hazard comes up, it is best to slow down. Simply slowing your speed can give you more time to react in the event that other unexpected issues come up and can help you avoid them. If the conditions become too hazardous, it may be best to pull off the road as safely as possible and stop until conditions improve.

Accidents with others

Unfortunately, though you do your best to avoid accidents, especially when dangerous conditions are present, other drivers may not be so cautious. As a result, you could end up in a car accident that leaves you with serious injuries due to the negligent or reckless actions of another driver. If so, you may have reason to file a personal injury claim against that driver in efforts to seek compensation for allowable damages.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to talk to our Scottsdale car accident lawyer.