New York streets are busy, crowded, and often dangerous.
Staying safe requires a combination of vigilance and awareness. Here are a few of the most common car accidents and some tips for preventing those accidents.
Reckless Behavior
Reckless behaviors cause many accidents, including:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Running red lights
- Improper turns
To prevent these accidents, remain calm and patient. Traffic jams and congestion are common in NYC, and reckless behaviors don’t help you reach your destination faster.
Distracted Driving
New York was the first state to ban the use of cell phones while driving, but this hasn’t prevented distracted driving from continuing to cause accidents on NYC streets. Driver inattention and distraction causes over 28,000 accidents every year.
To reduce your chances of being the driver who causes the accident, consider using hands-free devices. You should also program your GPS before you hit the road and place it somewhere where it can be in plain view of your field of vision while driving instead of looking down at your phone to check your directions.
Poor Road Conditions
New York has some of the worst roads in the world. Our pothole problem is no surprise to anyone who lives here, but those who drive still need to account for them.
To prevent these accidents, drive defensively, especially during inclement weather, which can exacerbate the effects of poor road conditions. We also encourage people to report road hazards; reporting can make a big difference in whether New Yorkers can sue over pothole accidents.
Finally, give your vehicle regular check-ups and follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules. While vehicle care can be expensive, driving bad roads with bad brakes or bad tires is a recipe for disaster.
Know Where to Get Help
Accidents happen. When they do, even if you were partially at fault, you could launch a personal injury case to recoup your losses, so long as your accident meets the severe injury threshold.
If it doesn’t, we’re in a no-fault state, and your own insurance policy will help you cover up to $50,000 in losses regardless of who caused the accident.
If it does, we’re here to help. Call us ASAP to launch your personal injury case. We want you to be safe but ready to help you when things go wrong.
See also:
Steps to Take After a Personal Injury Accident in New York