5 Common Areas Where Car Wrecks Happen

There were 6.4 million car crashes in the U.S in 2017, resulting in 34,247 deaths, and 1,889,000 injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A significant number of these accidents are caused by negligent drivers who are under the influence, distracted or disregarding traffic rules.

Unfortunately, there are some locations where accidents are more likely to occur. Some of these places may seem safe, but they are accident hotspots. Although you need to be keen whenever you are driving, these areas require you to keep your eyes extra peeled. Here are common places car accidents take place.

Parking Lots 

The chaos of cars in close proximity, pedestrians on the move, and lax rules, are a recipe for an accident. Apart from the low-speed accidents that dent your bumper and scrap your car's paint, it can get more serious than that. When backing out of a parking spot and a pedestrian appears from behind without warning, you may fail to notice them due to a blind spot and accidentally hit them. 

You may also be at risk, as other drivers may fail to obey a traffic sign in the facility or get distracted. If another car hits you and damages your vehicle and you weren't at fault, then you may need to weigh your legal options. A car wreck lawyer can conduct an investigation and prove you are not at fault. Whenever you are in a parking lot, maintain a low speed, follow all traffic signs, and always proceed with caution.

At Your Neighborhood

Although it may seem surprising, a large number of accidents occur near the driver's home. In fact, research shows a third of all auto crashes happen between one and five miles of where the driver resides. 

When driving around the neighborhood, most drivers feel too comfortable because of their familiarity with the surroundings and become less vigilant. Distractions also mount, as you may get distracted by pedestrians whom you know. The next time you drive out of your home, stay alert and remember that danger may be lurking just around the corner.

Intersections

Intersections are a prime place for an auto accident. Here, vehicles conflict with each other when trying to cross or turn. Crashes are common here as a driver may miss a stop sign, failing to yield right of way, following a vehicle too closely, or the intersection may be poorly designed. Here, a car can be hit from almost any direction, although side-impact collisions are the most common type of accidents. When approaching an intersection, stay alert and be prepared for any situation.

Stop Signs

Although stop signs and lights are meant to control traffic and protect us, they are also a common spot for accidents. A driver may see it late, respond late, or ignore it, which may result in a collision. Also, a driver sitting at a red light may be hit from the rear when the car behind fails to stop on time. 

Rural Highways

Accidents in remote areas contribute to high death and injury rate (Source: Pixabay) 

Rural roads carry considerably less traffic, yet they seem to be the most dangerous. Since there are very few cars on the way, drivers don't pay close attention and are likely to swerve off the road. Other accident causes include speeding, odd turns, unmaintained roads, or debris on the way. Sadly, accidents in remote areas contribute to high death and injury rates since most car occupants in rural roads don't use their seat belts.

Wrapping Up

From the moment you enter your vehicle, you need to keep your eyes open. Whether you are driving near your home, getting out of a parking spot, or using a busy highway, don't let your guard down. To further protect yourself, practice defensive driving. This way, you'll be able to anticipate the moves of other drivers and react accordingly.

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