Staying Out Of Blind Spots Reduces Bradenton Car Accident Risks

Car accidents in Bradenton are complex events. While mistakes and errors on the part of other drivers are typically the most likely cause of a crash, there are often numerous underlying factors involved as well. One of these may include driving in another vehicle’s blind spots. Our Bradenton car accident lawyer explains where they are located, the risks they pose, and how to reduce your odds of a collision.

Vehicle Blind Spots Create Hazards For Drivers

Due to the design of most cars, there are likely to be certain areas surrounding the vehicle in which a driver’s vision is limited. Known as blind spots, these may be difficult or even impossible to see both in the driver’s rearview mirror or side mirrors. Routinely driving in these areas or not double-checking before making turns can significantly increase the likelihood of car accidents in Bradenton.

Due to their considerable size, most commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers and tanker trucks, have large blind spots surrounding the vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these are referred to as no-zones.

Truck no zones are similar to those found in other motor vehicles but are considerably larger and can stretch out over several lanes of traffic. In a regular car, no zones are likely to include:

• Directly in front of the vehicle and close to the road;
• Along the driver’s side, stretching from the rear of the vehicle back at least a car space;
• Along the passenger side, stretching from midway of the vehicle through the back and into the next lane;
• Directly behind the vehicle, again closer to the road.

The same as with trucks, blind spots get larger depending on the size of your vehicle, SUV, Jeep, and pickup truck owners need to be particularly cautious, but blind spot car accidents in Bradenton can pose risks to any driver.

Reducing Your Risk Of A Blind Spot Crash In Bradenton

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of the external area surrounding your vehicle can be considered a blind spot. Not double-checking yours frequently when in traffic or driving in another motorist’s blind spot can significantly increase the risk of being involved in a car accident in Bradenton.

Side-swipe crashes and rear-end collisions are common as a result. These often happen when making lane changes, merging with other vehicles, or pulling out of parking spaces. To protect yourself, follow these tips:

• Be aware of all blind spots surrounding your vehicle;
• In heavy traffic, check over your shoulder to ensure no one is beside you;
• Be particularly alert for pedestrians and bicyclists, as they easily get lost in blind spots;
• Pass other motorists quickly and avoid getting caught in their blind spots. 

Contact Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

Blind spots increase the risk of car accidents in Bradenton. If you or someone you love is hurt, contact the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely. We help you get the compensation you need to recover. Request a consultation today.

Sources:

fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/ourroads/80251/driving-safely-around-cmvs.pdf

one.nhtsa.gov/links/GetUpToSpeed/index.html#blind-spot-content