Though you and many other Pennsylvania residents likely drive on an almost daily basis, it is important to never become a complacent driver. Even if you have years of driving experience, you still need to maintain a constant focus on the task of driving and remember that other drivers could easily carry out reckless or negligent actions that put you in a dangerous situation.
Of course, the potential dangers on the road do not stop at other drivers. You could easily end up facing certain conditions that make it more hazardous to be on the road at a given time. If you do not account for these hazards and take action to drive more safely, you could end up in an accident.
Hazards to consider
Unfortunately, some hazardous road conditions can pop up seemingly out of nowhere while others you can anticipate. Some conditions you may want to remain on the lookout for include the following:
- Poor lighting when driving at night that can make it difficult to see
- Glare when driving during the day that can also impede vision
- Bad weather conditions, like rain, wind and fog any time of year, and snow or ice during winter months
- Road work that can lead to unexpected lane changes, slower speeds and traffic
- Heavy traffic that can lead to stop-and-go scenarios that could cause rear-end collisions
- Sharp curves or busy intersections that need addressing with caution
- Hazards in the road
- Accidents that have already occurred
Any of these issues could quickly and easily result in a serious accident. Even if you do your best to remember that travel has various uncertainties and try to anticipate certain hazards, other drivers may not do the same. If a driver succumbs to distraction, does not slow down to accommodate weather or otherwise drives with a disregard for hazards, you could end up suffering.
What if someone does cause an accident?
In the event that another driver does cause an accident that leaves you injured — whether it involves the aforementioned hazards or not — you could face a number of setbacks and hardships. Fortunately, you do have legal options for holding negligent and reckless drivers accountable for their actions. If you believe it could suit your circumstances, you may want to gain information on filing a personal injury claim in order to seek compensation for damages permitted under state law.