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Why Everyone is at Risk of Car Accidents

Unless you’re a complete shut-in or extensively agoraphobic, you probably leave your hours at least once a week. Here’s the thing though, most people who believe they are safe drivers don’t realize that they’re just as much at risk as aggressive drivers since everyone is at risk of car accidents.

Passive Drivers

Are you a passive driver? That depends. Do you find yourself stopping and allowing those in a hurry to roll through stop signs? Do you often slow down when you see someone passing you so they can enter the lane quickly? If so, then you’re probably a passive driver.

There’s nothing wrong with being a passive driver; in fact, most claim that passive drivers are less likely to be in accidents. But that’s not always the case. Clearly, there is no way to avoid every accident. Passive drivers generally make a driving career out of avoiding accidents. Other people whiz by and passive drivers sit there, pointing out that person’s erratic or outright dangerous driving behavior.

There are setbacks to being a passive driver, however. Typically passive drivers may not respond to changing road conditions and other drivers as quickly. They may also travel at or below the speed limit, which may be slower than the flow of traffic. Both of these instances put them at risk of accidents.

Aggressive Drivers

It’s clear why aggressive drivers are at risk for accidents. But is there are actual argument behind the belief that assertive or aggressive drivers are actually safer? While they pose a risk to many others on the road, they usually are in a better position if they were to get into a crash. Aggressive drivers often walk the thin line along with negligent driving where they don’t outright behave illegally but do come very close.

Aggressive drivers often change lanes to the one that gives them an advantage over traffic and will pass defensive or passive drivers with impunity.  There is a lot to be said of aggressive drivers; however, because many anticipate the moves of other drivers and are able to avoid accidents actively.

Is it good to be an aggressive driver? For you, probably. But for other drivers on the road, no. If you changed lanes when someone wasn’t paying attention, it would quickly result in accidents, and that’s only one example.

Elderly and Teen Drivers

Most teen drivers and elderly drivers have the same issue when it comes to driving, confidence. Overconfidence in elderly drivers who have been driving for decades can make them take actions that otherwise they would question while teen drivers will often hesitate, which can cause accidents as often as it can avoid them.

Elderly and teen drivers both need to pay attention to what other drivers are doing carefully. Similar to aggressive drivers, acting only in your best interest will often lead to crashes. There is also an overload of distractions.

Another area where teens and elders come together when it comes to being in an accident is distractions, specifically cell phones. While elderly people are becoming more tech-savvy, many are forgetting when the phone becomes secondary. Teens have the same problem that they feel confident in their ability to operate a phone and driver, which is clearly not reasonable.

Pedestrians

In recent years pedestrian accidents have only gone up, and it’s because of a perfect storm of semi-related issues. First, pedestrians are extremely likely to be distracted by their phones. Second, pedestrians now include those using electric scooters and bikes, which are readily available in most cities. Third, due to recent attention on climate change and carbon impact, more people are walking when it’s a reasonable option.

So, what can pedestrians do to protect themselves? Always pay attention to the road or intersection. That means putting down your phone, only using one earbud, or keeping the volume low enough to hear your surrounding environment and be aware of all signs. When walking at night, be sure to wear something bright or have a reflective sweater to pull over so you can be seen.

After a Wreck Call an Attorney

When you’re in a crash, it’s always best to let someone else handle the issue for resolution. You’re probably a little heated or emotionally invested, and that can cloud your judgment. Simply saying that something isn’t your fault isn’t going to make an insurance company or judge believe it.

However, working with an attorney, you can build a strong case that puts the emphasis on evidence to fight for you. Contact Young, Reverman, and Mazzei to help you push your claim through and fight for the compensation that you need for your wreck.

Jay A. Bolotin is a partner at the injury law firm of Young, Reverman & Bolotin. Serving the people of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, Jay dedicates his career to helping clients in the tri-state area obtain financial compensation after suffering serious injuries. He focuses his practice on cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, dog bites and animal attacks, and other types of personal injury incidents.

Years of Experience: More than 25 years
Registration Status:: Active
Bar Admissions: Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Cincinati Bar Association