The daily grind traps drivers in the slow crawl of rush hour traffic, often creating feelings of anger and frustration. Rush-hour car accidents usually happen, causing chaos and delays for all involved; the potential injuries and property damage are considerable. Fortunately, there are proactive ways to avoid rush hour accidents.
Rush hours can create opportunities for accidents due to heavy traffic congestion and impatient drivers. Consider these precautions to evade potential collisions:
- Depart earlier or later than the peak rush hour to avoid the bulk of traffic.
- A generous following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead can help prevent accidents.
- Remain acutely aware of your surroundings, including the behavior of fellow drivers, road conditions, and potential hazards.
- Investigate less congested routes or back roads to bypass major traffic arteries during peak hours.
How Does Distracted Driving Contribute to Rush-Hour Accidents?
Distractions behind the wheel spell disaster, particularly during rush hour, when traffic is dense and erratic. Texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in any activity that diverts your eyes and attention from the road is dangerous.
Abstain from consuming food or beverages while driving, as it also takes away focus from the task at hand. Configure your GPS, radio, or climate controls before heading out to minimize distractions. You should restrict conversations and activities with passengers that could detract from safe driving.
How Can I Manage Aggressive Drivers During Rush Hour?
Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving through lanes, and excessive speeding pop up during rush hours and increase tensions on the road. Here is how to deal with aggressive drivers:
- Refrain from engaging with aggressive drivers or retaliating, as it may escalate the situation.
- When confronted by an aggressive driver, create distance between vehicles by safely changing lanes or reducing speed.
- If you feel threatened or witness reckless driving, contact local authorities and provide a description of the vehicle and its actions.
What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Rush-Hour Car Accident?
Despite our best efforts to avoid accidents, they still happen. If you are caught in a rush hour collision, relocate your vehicle to a safe spot if possible. Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries, and call for emergency services.
Swap contact and insurance details with other involved drivers. Capture photos of that information, the vehicles, license plates, visible damage, and surrounding road conditions. Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation to rule out any underlying injuries.
Speak to the responding officers about obtaining a police report. You can contact your auto insurance provider, but only provide basic information. Anything said to the officers or your insurance representative might be held against you later.
How Will Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws Apply to My Case?
Pennsylvania car accident laws include a range of statutes designed to govern road safety, liability, and insurance coverage in the event of a collision. As a “choice no-fault” state, Pennsylvania allows motorists to choose between traditional fault-based insurance or no-fault insurance coverage. In fault-based systems, drivers who cause accidents bear responsibility for resulting damages.
The state also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation may be reduced if the injured party is found partially at fault. Understanding these laws helps claimants manage the aftermath of car accidents and seek fair compensation for damages incurred.
Contact Our Delaware County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks for a Consultation on Your Rush-Hour Crash
For legal guidance after a rush-hour accident, speak with our Delaware County car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Our team can manage the legal process and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Call 610-565-3701 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.