We spend a lot of time discussing the dangers of speed and the role it plays in getting into a Connecticut auto accident and also the severity of the accident if you do find yourself in a crash, but you may also need information about how to avoid an accident when you’re stuck in traffic.
Whether you’re on a road trip and you hit a pocket of summer traveler traffic or you’re on your way into the office and it is just normal commuter traffic, traffic can be burdensome and it can also be dangerous. The good news about traffic is that you are generally traveling at lower speeds so often the damage done in accidents that occur as the result of traffic is not as significant, but the bad news is accidents still happen and lower speeds don’t always mean no injuries.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic you can take some actions that may limit your likelihood of getting into an accident. While these things are certainly not guarantees that you will stay safe while in traffic, taking these steps will put you in the best position possible to be safe whether you’re traveling at a high speed or stuck in stop and go traffic.
One of the most important things you can do to avoid an accident while you’re driving in traffic is to avoid distractions. This can be particularly difficult when the traffic is barely moving because it can be tempting to sneak a peek at your phone or dig around for something in your purse or wallet while you’re waiting for traffic to move, but the minute you do that you are putting yourself at risk. Even if you are stuck in traffic you must avoid distractions while you’re driving because if you, for even just a split second, take your eye off the road you can be putting yourself and others on the road at risk of getting into an accident and becoming injured.
Another thing you should try to do when you’re driving in traffic is to avoid changing lanes as much as possible. This can’t always be avoided as you may need to get over to get to an exit that you are trying to get off at or you are trying to avoid being in the same lane as a broken down vehicle or some other source of traffic, but if you can you should stay in your lane. If you must change lanes you should always signal that you are intending to change lanes and make sure you are clear on all sides before making the switch of lanes.
If you’re in traffic you will likely be following the car in front of you closely. This requires no distractions and it also requires that you drive with a purpose and an ease that will not disrupt the flow of the traffic. You should avoid any abrupt acceleration or braking as this can cause the car in front of you to make abrupt movements or the car behind you to brake hard and rear end you causing a pile up that could extend back quite far. If you accelerate and brake smoothly you are doing your part to avoid a situation where the car in front of you or behind you is required to make sudden movements and cause a chain reaction.
While speed isn’t a main factor in accidents that happen within traffic, the constant stop and go of vehicles and the time in between bursts of motion can cause you to become less vigilant and lose attention. If this happens, you may find yourself in a Connecticut auto accident that will lead to property damage or injury. Being stuck in traffic does not afford you the ability to let your guard down and stop paying attention to how you’re driving, if anything it requires you to amp up your driving focus.
Accidents do happen and whether they happen when you’re in traffic or on the open road you may need someone who is skilled at understanding complex situations to represent your long-term needs. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will speak with you about your situation.
