The Areas Where You Need to Be Extra Careful When Driving a Car

This blond woman has hit her head on the steering wheel during a collision and the rear bumper of her car is crushed in. She sits in shock and grief waiting on help and law enforcement to arrive. Realistic FX make-up creates an open gash on her forehead and brusing.

You must always pay close attention when driving, especially in areas where accidents are more likely to happen. Many people don’t notice these areas or think they aren’t as dangerous as they really are. Knowing about these high-risk places can make accidents much less likely. Being aware and careful is important, especially when driving near areas where accidents happen frequently. 

If you’re in an accident, top car accident lawyers like the ones at MNH Injury Lawyers recommend understanding your surroundings and the causes leading up to the collision. The law firm has a combined experience of over 20 years. 

Lawyers often talk about how drivers lose attention in dangerous areas, which leads to accidents that could have been avoided. 

With that said, here are the areas where you need to be extra careful when driving a car:

Intersections

On the road, intersections are some of the most dangerous spots. At this point, cars going in different directions meet, which increases the risk of side-impact collisions, also called T-bone accidents. Drivers often get the speed of oncoming cars wrong or don’t pay attention to the traffic lights. To keep yourself safe:

  • Always stop at stop signs.
  • Even if the light is green, look both ways. 
  • Watch out for people walking or riding bikes who may cross in front of you.

School Zones

Extra care needs to be taken in school zones because of the kids, who may act unpredictably. During school hours, the speed limits in these areas are often reduced, but some drivers don’t follow them. Accidents here can be very severe, so: 

  • Follow the speed rules and drive more slowly.
  • Keep an eye out for kids who might run out into the road. 
  • Be ready to stop for school buses with flashing lights.

Parking Lots

Minor accidents and fender benders happen a lot in parking lots, even though they might not seem dangerous. Poor visibility, tight spaces, and people walking while they’re not paying attention make parking lots dangerous. To avoid accidents:

  • Drive slowly and watch out for cars pulling out.
  • Look in your mirrors and check blind spots regularly.
  • Yield to pedestrians and follow directional signs.

Highways and Freeways

Highways are risky because of high speeds and heavy traffic. When drivers don’t keep safe distances or change lanes without thinking, accidents happen a lot. To stay safe on the highway:

  • Keep enough space between you and the car in front of you, allowing enough time to stop.
  • Give a clear signal before you change lanes.
  • If you’re going slower than the other cars, stay in the right lane.

Residential Areas

Residential neighborhoods may look calm, but they have their own problems. Risks increase when there are kids playing, cars parked, and blind corners. Drivers need to be careful by:

  • Driving slowly and keeping an eye out for pets or kids that move quickly.
  • Being careful around parked cars because the doors could open without warning.
  • Using your headlights when it’s dark to see better.

Pedestrian Crosswalks

Drivers must always give way to pedestrians at crosswalks. When drivers don’t stop or rush through crosswalks, they cause a lot of accidents. For your own safety:

  • Slow down when you get close to crosswalks, especially in busy areas.
  • Stop fully when people are crossing the street.
  • Keep an eye out for people walking in from odd angles.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are meant to improve traffic, but some drivers find them hard to understand. Accidents can happen if you don’t know when to join or leave a roundabout.

To stay safe:

  • Give way to cars that are already in the roundabout.
  • Use your turn signal before you exit to let other cars know what you want to do.
  • When driving through, maintain a steady, safe speed.

Photo by bmcent1 on iStock by Getty Images

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