WHY CAR ACCIDENTS INCREASE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, P.L.L.C.
2 mins READ
Get a free consultation Call us About us

If you live in or around an area where there are a lot of commuters on the road, you are probably familiar with congestion and its effects on drivers. Getting stuck in a traffic jam can be annoying, stressful, and frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry to get to work or somewhere in a timely manner.

Keep in mind, however, that car accidents are more likely to occur on roads that are heavily congested. Below, we discuss a few factors that lead to crashes during traffic jams.

SHARING THE ROAD

When the road is open, drivers have more time to brake and there are fewer cars around them that require attention. In times of traffic, however, there are more cars packed together with less space in between them. Ultimately, sharing the road with more cars at once inherently increases the risk that two cars will collide.

Lane changes can also be more challenging in traffic when either other drivers don’t share the road or a merging driver attempts to wedge themselves in a tight space in stop-and-go traffic.

TAILGATING

When roads are congested, drivers may let their guards down and pay less attention to the road in front of them, thinking that the slow-moving traffic couldn’t possibly get any slower. They may look down at their phones more and take their feet off the brakes for longer than they should.

The frequent stop-and-go pattern that is common in traffic jams can ultimately lead to rear-end collisions. As a driver, you should always keep a safe buffer between your car and the car in front of you. Additionally, eliminate all distractions so that you can adjust to the situations around you.

ROAD RAGE

Road rage and aggressive driving is a common cause of collisions, especially in traffic jams. Nobody wants to be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, especially when we all have places to go. But it’s never a safe idea to engage in aggressive driving, such as weaving, tailgating, or swerving, even if another driver is doing so. Maintaining a calm demeanor can go a long way and, ultimately, help you make decisions for the best interest of safety, versus ones that are made on emotions.

AVOIDING A CAR COLLISION DURING A TRAFFIC JAM

Never think that you are immune from getting into a car crash just because you’re not driving fast. Here are a few tips that you can follow when driving on congested highways:

  • Leave ahead of time so that you have more wiggle room to get to your destination.
  • Put your phone away and eliminate other distractions.
  • Make smart driving decisions; use your blinkers and stay focused on the road in front of you.
  • Check your route for any traffic jams along the way; if it’s particularly problematic on a certain day, go an alternative route.a

If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident in Virginia pr Chesapeake, the car accident attorneys at Huffman & Huffman are here to review your case for free and fight for the compensation you need to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact our Newport News injury attorneys at (757) 599-6050 to get started with a no-fee, no-obligation consultation today.

Related Posts

  • x-ray of a broken bone
    Car Accidents
    3 mins READ

    Car Accidents: Common Injuries and Symptoms

    A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, but the effects can linger for months, years, or even a lifetime. Whether you’ve been in a minor collision or a multivehicle accident, it’s important to understand the most common car accident injuries and the symptoms to watch for, especially since some injuries may...
    Read More  
  • closeup of emergency lights on a police car
    Car Accidents
    4 mins READ

    Do Police Take Photos at Car Accident Scenes?

    When police respond to a car accident, many people aren’t sure what to expect. Officers may arrive quickly and start asking questions, but it’s not always clear what they’re documenting, what they’re not, and what you’ll be able to access later. Many people assume that officers will take photos as part of their investigation, but...
    Read More  
  • Closeup of a person's hand holding car keys. A car is visible in the background.
    Car Accidents
    3 mins READ

    Are Parents Liable for Their 18-Year-Old’s Car Accidents?

    When an adult child causes a crash, the law balances two important goals: ensuring crash victims get fair compensation for their losses and making sure only those responsible are held liable. Generally, once a child turns 18, they are expected to take full responsibility for their driving. However, in some rare cases, a parent’s actions...
    Read More