Highway and freeway accidents in Hollywood and South Florida are often deadly. Because highways mean higher speeds, any collisions on these roadways may lead to more serious injuries and crashes. In addition, highways often mean different vehicles sharing the same space, and if you’re in an accident with a big rig, tractor trailer, or other large commercial truck, the chances of your passenger car sustaining serious damage are considerable.
Driving on a residential street is very different than driving on a highway or freeway. On a higher-speed road, small mistakes can lead to big accidents. Each year, people are involved in serious chain reaction accidents in Hollywood and South Florida because of one minor error made in a fraction of a second.
You can drive more safely on highways and freeways if you:
1) Keep your speed consistent.
Trucks cannot change slow down or stop as quickly as passenger cars can, so when you change your speed often, you make it harder for drivers to avoid accidents.
2) Avoid changing multiple lanes.
It can be frustrating if you suddenly see your exit and it’s four lanes over, but charging across multiple lanes is dangerous. Truck drivers may not see you in time to stop and other cars can easily collide with you. If you have to, miss your exit and take the next one to find your way back.
3) Avoid driving alongside a truck.
There are large blind spots along the sides of trucks and a big rig or 18 wheeler can easily drive you off the road, simply because the driver can’t see you. In addition, if the truck suffers a blown tire and you’re right there beside the tire, you could suffer a serious injury. Always give trucks lots of room and get out of their way rather than trying to drive next to them.
4) Avoid changing lanes too often.
Leapfrogging across lanes in dangerous and can end up causing an accident. It’s especially true around trucks, which can take longer to stop. Cutting off a truck because you’re changing lanes can easily lead to a rear-end collision.
5) Pay attention.
Not staying alert to your speed, the road signs, and your surroundings is a danger on the highway. Missing a sign could end up causing a wrong-way crash or could end up causing you a lot of frustration if you miss your exit. Always drive defensively, thinking three moves ahead and using your mirrors to stay aware of what’s happening in front, behind, and beside you.
If you’re in a highway accident because of someone’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim in your Florida community. To find out more, contact the law offices of Flaxman Law Group. Our attorneys have more than six decades of combined experience and we’d be happy to discuss your situation in a free, no obligation case consultation.