Car accidents are among the most common reasons for personal injury claims in Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia County was in the top ten counties in Pennsylvania in 2022 for traffic accidents, with 8,714 accidents. It had the most traffic-related fatalities that year.
Many of the car accidents in Philadelphia can be avoided. Drivers who take steps to decrease their risk of a car crash can help lower the number of car accidents each year. They may also avoid a costly car accident in Philadelphia that could cause catastrophic injuries, significant financial losses, and substantial emotional distress.
The following driving tips can help you avoid a costly car accident while increasing your safety while on the road:
Follow Traffic Laws
Pennsylvania has traffic laws dictating how drivers should behave on roads, streets, and highways. The traffic laws are designed to avoid situations that could result in a traffic accident.
Following traffic laws can decrease your risk of causing or being involved in a car accident in Philadelphia. Common traffic laws that could lead to a car accident when a driver fails to obey the law include speed limits, rights-of-ways, following too closely, and driving under the influence.
Performing Vehicle Maintenance
A well-maintained vehicle can help avoid situations that could lead to a traffic accident. It also decreases the chance that worn brakes, tires, and windshield wipers could lead to a crash.
Have a mechanic check your vehicle routinely to ensure all systems are in good working order. Promptly replace tires, lights, windshield wipers, brakes, and other parts when worn or damaged. Make necessary repairs as soon as possible and avoid driving the vehicle until the repairs are completed.
Avoid Distractions While Driving
Distracted driving continues to be among the most common reasons for traffic accidents. Distractions remove your attention from driving.
You might look away from the road or allow your mind to wander. Some distractions require removing your hand(s) from the steering wheel. In just a split second, you could cause a distracted driving accident.
Paying close attention to the road and traffic can help you spot dangers that could lead to a traffic crash. You can spot drivers who may be texting while driving, speeding, or weaving between lanes. Focusing on the road helps you identify dangers in time to take steps to avoid a crash.
Never Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs
Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal in Pennsylvania. If your BAC is .08% or above, you are presumed to be too impaired by alcohol to operate a motor vehicle safely. However, you can be arrested for impaired driving even though your BAC is below .08 if the officer decides the alcohol/drugs in your system impair your ability to operate the vehicle safely.
If you consume alcohol, call a family member or friend for a ride. Use public transportation or a rideshare service, but ensure you are safe before entering the vehicle.
Adjust Speed According to Driving Conditions
A posted speed limit is the maximum safe speed to travel on a specific road during good conditions. If the weather or road conditions change, you may need to slow down to avoid causing an accident. Reducing your speed reduces the risk of losing control of the vehicle and slamming into an object or another vehicle.
Plan Your Route Before You Leave Home
Check the GPS route for your destination and set the GPS before you leave home. You may need to find an alternate route if your route is slower because of a wrecked vehicle, parade, or other distractions.
GPS systems can help avoid congested traffic, car accidents, and other hazards. However, if you try to program a GPS while driving, you could be the driver who causes a traffic accident that slows everyone down.
Use Caution When Driving Near Commercial Trucks
Large trucks and other commercial motor vehicles have large blind spots. They cannot stop as quickly as other vehicles. Accidents can happen when motorists do not give commercial trucks the space and respect they need.
The FMCSA provides tips for diving near large trucks. Understanding these tips can help you avoid a costly car accident in Philadelphia.
Practice Defensive Driving
Aggressive driving is not defensive driving. Defensive driving is the awareness of what is around you while driving so you can spot potential hazards and dangers. It also includes limiting distractions and avoiding alcohol/drugs, which could lead to a car accident.
Determining Liability for a Car Accident in Philadelphia, PA
An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer investigates the crash to determine why it occurred and who is responsible for the accident. In Pennsylvania, the at-fault driver could be financially liable for damages.
An attorney can help you prove negligence and fault for a car crash to establish liability for damages. Filing a personal injury claim can result in compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers has extensive experience handling car accident claims in Philadelphia. We’ve recovered tens of millions for injured clients and have decades of personal injury experience. We can help you evaluate your options after a car accident in Pennsylvania. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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