The UK has some of the safest vehicles compared to the vehicles that were on the road many years ago, but road traffic accidents are growing more and more common each day, many of which leading to serious injuries. Accidents happen, but it is important to learn from them. Here are a few examples of road accidents that occur and how to avoid them.
Road Traffic Accident caused by Speeding
Though it may appear obvious, rushing is a natural habit many of us possess. Put this together with how we are in everyday life, rushing in your vehicle may result in an accident with serious repercussions. Though the smallest injury arising from a road traffic accident may be a mild neck injury, it could be as severe as a brain or spinal injury, leading to paralysis, two life changing injuries which will affect not only yourself, but your loved ones.
The main way to avoid speeding is to change your way of thinking. Many view the speed limit as the minimum or only speed, but it is the maximum and that is how it should always be seen. It’s better to be late in this life than early in the next, so maybe rush yourself around the house when you’re late for work, but not on the road.
Road Traffic Accident cause by Drink Driving
Another obvious example, driving over the alcohol consumption limit has extremely serious consequences. Firstly, due to a delay in reaction times, you are much more likely to find yourself involved in a road traffic accident which can be fatal to both yourself and other passengers in not only your car but other potential vehicles involved. If caught, you will be arrested, be given a criminal record, lose your license and risk damage to your current or future employment.
Prevention is simple. DON’T drink and drive.
Inexperienced Drivers
17-24 year old new drivers, especially male, are a target group that are more prone to getting involved in a road traffic accident. This is why insurance for new drivers of this age is significantly higher. The risk of a crash is high due to inexperience, combined with speeding and being easily influenced by peer pressure.
How can this be prevented? Just say no. It may seem easy to follow, but many young drivers buy a car with the assurance that they will take care of it, and find themselves ignoring their own words. So it’s important to keep reminding yourself the fatality of your actions. Stick to the rules of the road and consider taking extra courses such as the Pass Plus if possible.
Failing to Look Properly
People who fail to look properly are often prone to scanning at a junction in order to get moving as quickly as possible, increasing the risk of a road traffic accident. Obstacles that block their view are also a factor, but with focused attention, junctions are easy to navigate. Changing lanes without proper consideration of vehicles around you is also a major cause of accident. Just remember to spend a couple of extra seconds to watch the road around you.
Failing to judge the speed or path of other drivers
The first thing to take into account is your eyesight. If you are unable to view distances clearly and cannot judge the speed of a vehicle due to the lack of reference points, you need to get your eyes tested and potentially wear glasses. Secondly, inexperience is another factor for judging the path and speed of another vehicle.
If you were to ask an experienced driver, they’re likely to inform you that you develop a “6th sense” over time and will find it easier the more you drive.
It is also important to remember what steps to take if you find yourself involved in a road traffic accident, especially when it isn’t your fault. Having an expert solicitor by your side to help get your life back on track is key, so if you are based in or around Stockport, Tameside or Greater Manchester and you are considering making a claim, then get in touch with Harold Stock and Co today to see how we can help.
