Five Dangerous Behaviors That Increase Bradenton Car Accident Risks
Car accidents in Bradenton pose a serious threat to local drivers and visitors to our area. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, close to 6,000 happen throughout Manatee County each year. Our Bradenton car accident lawyer shares five dangerous and unfortunately common behaviors that increase crash risks.
- Distracted driving.
The Florida Department of Transportation warns that it is illegal to drive while talking on cell phones, texting, or otherwise using handheld devices. Unfortunately, many drivers continue to engage in this type of dangerous behavior.
In addition to making calls and sending texts, other activities can distract your attention from the road, putting you and others at risk. Examples include changing car stereo or GPS settings, taking pictures or videos, reaching for items in the glove compartment, and adjusting your appearance in rear view mirrors.
- Drowsy driving.
Between balancing work, the demands of a family, and personal or social obligations, many of us fail to get enough sleep. Unfortunately, being drowsy can significantly impact your driving abilities and makes car accidents in Bradenton more likely to happen. These crashes can occur at any time of day, but are particularly common late at night and during the early morning hours.
- Driving under the influence.
Driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is against the law but continues to be a common cause of crashes. Late nights, holidays, and weekends are the time they are most likely to happen.
Even if you would never dream of driving under the influence, be aware of how certain medications may impact your driving abilities. Talk to your doctor about what you are taking and potential side effects that could increase your crash risks.
- Aggressive driving.
Drivers tend to be in a hurry these days and even the smallest setback can send them into a rage. Tailgating, improper passing, and failing to yield are all common aggressive driving behaviors that often cause collisions.
Speeding is another common type of aggressive driving. Even if you are below posted speeds, going too fast for road, weather, or traffic conditions and weaving in and out of other lanes puts you and other motorists at risk.
- Not coming to a complete stop at traffic signs and signals.
Under the Florida Statutes, motorists are required to come to a complete stop at stop signs and to remain stopped at traffic signals until the light changes. Rolling stops, racing to get through a yellow light, and jumping out before it turns green can lead to dangerous intersection crashes and potentially severe injuries.
Contact Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer To Request A Consultation
When car accidents in Bradenton happen due to dangerous driving behavior on the part of others, you have the right to seek compensation. For trusted legal guidance in filing a claim, contact The Law Office of Steven G. Lavely. Request a consultation with our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer today.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
fdot.gov/Safety/programs/distracted-driving.shtm
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.075.html
