Unfamiliar roads can be confusing and dangerous to navigate. Constantly checking street signs, missing turns, and breaking the speed limit are common causes of accidents. In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 22 percent of all large-truck crashes occur on unfamiliar roads.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid accidents in unfamiliar regions. These include:
- Planning ahead;
- Avoiding unpredictable behavior;
- And indicating your intentions to other drivers.
If you were injured by a negligent or distracted driver, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates. A truck accident lawyer in Detroit can evaluate your wreck, gather evidence, and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf.
Call 1-800-961-8477 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Here are three tips that can help you avoid collisions on unfamiliar roads:
- Plan Ahead
If you are going on a long journey, planning your route can help you avoid getting lost. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the National Highway System allows you to plan national, statewide, and local routes.
If you use a GPS, program it before you hit the road. Be sure to install the device where it is easy to see. You should not have to take your hand off the steering wheel while driving. Also, you should not rely solely on a GPS to navigate unfamiliar roads; be sure to study your route before you depart.
If you are crossing state lines, then you may need permits for certain cargo such as firearms. Make sure you acquire these permits well in advance of your trip.
- Avoid Unpredictable Behavior
It is easy to miss a turn or exit on an unfamiliar road. However, you should avoid abruptly correcting these mistakes because other motorists may not be able to predict your actions. Avoid sudden lane changes, stops, and accelerating.
The FMCSA recommends that truckers continue driving if they miss their exits, and then turn back when it is safe to do so. From 2004 to 2007, nearly 50,000 truckers received moving-volition tickets from officers for improper lane changes or turns.
- Indicate Your Intentions to Other Drivers
Truckers who do not indicate their intentions can find themselves in precarious situations. This is particularly common in unfamiliar areas, where drivers commit to last-minute lane changes.
Unfortunately, some drivers are complacent when navigating unfamiliar areas, and other road users suffer the consequences. If you were injured in a crash that another driver caused, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates.
A Detroit injury attorney can interview witnesses, gather evidence, structure your claim, and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. If your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court.
Our firm has been protecting the rights of the injured for more than 20 years. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-961-8477 to schedule a free case evaluation.