To improve road safety in New Jersey, statistics, research and studies are useful to understand how and why accidents happen in general. However, anecdotal evidence can also be valuable. In some cases, it has greater value than the numbers because people see things that the researchers do not. Inherently risky activities like driving under the influence, distracted driving, speeding, behaving negligently and drowsy driving are common catalysts for a crash. The way drivers act on the road is also a factor and all can be related. When trying to stay safe, it is wise to bear in mind what other drivers have witnessed. This can also be helpful when thinking about options to recover compensation following a collision.
Dangerous driving habits witnessed in New Jersey
The Garden State Parkway may be viewed as a microcosm of New Jersey driving. With that, the way people drive should be considered when thinking about safety. Concerns include drivers moving too slowly overall, drivers who drive too slowly in the “fast” lane, drivers who jump from lane to lane, drivers who fail to signal and drivers who tailgate. While speeding is known to place the driver, passengers and others on the road in jeopardy, driving too slowly can be as dangerous. The speed limit should be followed, but the realities of driving say that if traffic is traveling at a certain average speed, those on the road should stay with the flow of traffic. Driving below the speed limit can result in a collision.
The left lane is generally for drivers who are passing or moving faster. Some drivers are unaware of that and drive too slowly in this lane. This too can place themselves and others at risk of an auto accident. Drivers may think they are getting to their destination faster if the jump from lane to lane hoping that a different lane is moving better. This is only true if there is a blocked lane ahead. With that, every vehicle will need to move, eliminating the purpose of changing lanes back and forth. Rapidly jumping from one lane to another is not only worthless, but it can spark a car accident.
Signaling is easily forgotten when people are on busy roadways, but it shouldn’t be. Using the turn indicator should be a natural reaction whether on residential roads or on the parkway. This tells drivers in the rear-view mirror that the vehicle is changing lanes or exiting. Failure to do so can lead to collisions. Finally, tailgating is a problem everywhere. If a driver is following the vehicle ahead too closely, a sudden stop can result in a rear-end collision – which is one of the most dangerous types of accidents – and cause a chain reaction with multiple vehicles.
Accruing evidence and weighing options is key after motor vehicle accidents
Regardless of the circumstances, auto accidents are a fundamental concern for drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians. These can happen without warning for the above-listed reasons and for others. When there is an accident, medical costs, lost wages, property damage and long-term problems can arise. While this is inevitably the source of worry, it does not need to be if the injured party and his or her family understand their rights and seek experienced advice. From the start, it can be imperative to have professional guidance. This can assist in gathering evidence and taking effective action in the aftermath.