Long holiday weekends can be particularly dangerous for drivers since more cars are on the road, but bad weather and other factors can also contribute to accidents. There are things drivers can do to make the roads safer for themselves and others.
First, people should be aware of and obey traffic laws. Speeding and other violations are among the top causes of motor vehicle accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2013, driving under the influence was a factor in almost one-third of deadly car crashes. Drivers who would never consider drinking and driving might still get behind the wheel when they are tired, but this can be dangerous as well. People should remain alert while driving.
Drivers should make sure they are visible to others and put lights on as needed. Drivers should also ensure that they, and everyone in the vehicle, wears seat belts. Sitting correctly behind the wheel and keeping good posture can help ensure that air bags and other safety devices perform as they should. If there is an accident, drivers should contact 911.
When motor vehicle accidents do occur, people may be seriously injured. The driver who caused the accident may owe compensation to the injured people. However, there might be a number of obstacles in collecting this compensation. The insurance company might dispute the cause of the accident or injuries. Some injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, might not cause symptoms immediately after the accident. The driver might have inadequate insurance or no insurance. In these cases, an attorney might be able to negotiate with the insurance company, or a lawsuit could be filed. The injured person might be offered an out-of-court settlement, but if it is still not enough, the case could go to a civil trial.
