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Tips for Avoiding Late-Summer ...

avoiding car accidents

Tips for Avoiding Late-Summer Car Accidents

  • September 13, 2016

With summer drawing to a close, drivers in the Hudson Valley region should be cognizant of two issues may increase the risk of vehicle collisions.

As students head back to school for the start of a new semester, it is easy to forget that we still have nearly a month of summer left to go. With after school pick-up and extracurricular activities, for many parents, this means spending more hours than usual behind the wheel.

For many, the start of the school year is also associated with a return to shorter days and longer nights. But, with the end of Daylight Savings Time not coming until November 6, most parents and other commuters will still be spending the majority of their driving time in the daylight. Of course, as the days get shorter and shorter, drivers in and around Poughkeepsie will be forced to deal with a well-known nemesis: The early-evening sun glare.

These two factors will make it particularly important for drivers in the region to be vigilant about watching for other drivers who may either be fatigued or distracted. Fatigue and distractions are already two of the leading causes of car accidents; and, with these additional factors, even more innocent drivers and passengers may fall victim to others’ avoidable mistakes.

Avoiding the Risks of Driver Distraction and Fatigue

1. Leave Plenty of Buffer.

If you are concerned that the driver behind you may either be drowsy or distracted due to limited visibility, one thing that you can do to help reduce your chance of an accident-related injury is to increase the buffer between your car and the vehicle in front of you. In the event that you anticipate a rear-end collision, having this additional buffer will allow you more room to brake or change lanes. Under the right circumstances, this may give you the ability to avoid being involved in an accident.

2. Watch Out for Signs of Drowsy and Distracted Driving.

Drowsy and distracted drivers typically exhibit impairments similar to those displayed by drivers who are drunk behind the wheel. If you see a vehicle swerving, braking suddenly without necessity, or drifting out of its lane, these are all potential signs that the driver of that vehicle is not prepared to avoid causing a dangerous accident.

3. Observe the Rules of the Road.

As always, one of the best ways to protect yourself as much as possible is simply to observe the rules of the road. This includes:

  • Coming to a complete stop at stop signs
  • Observing traffic signals
  • Signaling before changing lanes
  • Not speeding or tailgating other drivers

While negligent drivers will often create situations where accidents become unavoidable, by driving within the law, you can improve your chances of staying safe while also helping to maximize your claim for financial compensation.

Were You Injured in an Accident Caused by a Drowsy or Distracted Driver?

If you were injured in an accident in Poughkeepsie caused by a drowsy or distracted driver, the personal injury attorneys at Stenger, Diamond & Glass LLP can help nyou file a claim for just compensation. For a free consultation about your rights, please call (866) 290-6929 or request an appointment online today.

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