The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the organization that oversees this program, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), both play an essential role in the rules, regulations and safety measures of commercial vehicle travel in the United States. Any type of vehicle is placed in a potentially dangerous situation while traveling along unsafe roads. As such, large commercial vehicles are placed in even greater danger while traveling through road hazards due to their enormous structure, size and weight.
Regardless of what common road hazard is present, all motorists in Connecticut must maintain an alert and aware attitude while driving, especially when in close proximity to large commercial vehicles. The FMCSA does its best to ensure that the roadways throughout the country are safe through their regulation of commercial vehicle travel. The organization states that driving too fast for road conditions is one of the biggest factors contributing to traffic crashes. As such, each and every road hazard must be accounted for while traveling along Connecticut’s roads.
Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights of Connecticut residents who have suffered at the hands of a negligent driver. When some form of careless action causes injury or harm to you or your family, this at-fault party must be held responsible for their actions. We combine years of litigation experience, a compassion for people and vast legal knowledge to provide our clients with comprehensive guidance. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash due to a common road hazard, our Hartford accident attorneys are here for you.
To get started today, please fill out a Free Case Evaluation form on this page.
Common Road Hazard Types
Trucks and other large commercial vehicles are automatically placed in a dangerous position when they enter the roadways, especially during highway travel. Combining their enormous structure with large blind spots and surrounding vehicles that are not equipped to travel with these trucks, a common road hazard can cause a number of catastrophic traffic accidents and life-threatening injuries. Preparing to drive where road hazards are present is difficult. The most successful technique to avoiding a collision is to be aware of the most common road hazards in order to operate the vehicle properly when they arise.
Elements such as poor weather and debris can greatly increase the likelihood of an auto collision. These hazards can be formed from vehicles, weather conditions, nonvehicle and other environmental roadway factors. Any present distraction on the road can cause a number of terrible accidents to occur. While some road hazards are certainly unavoidable, being aware of the most frequently seen dangers will help drivers to react quickly and appropriately.
The following are the most common road hazard types:
- Animals: Drivers often swerve in order to avoid a collision with an animal on the side of the road or even in the middle of the road. When a truck is forced to swerve to avoid hitting an animal, a traffic accident is likely to take place.
- Children: While less common than some other dangers, an unattended child may walk into the middle of the street, causing traffic to react and potentially crash into one another.
- Debris: From sand to the ice to water to asphalt and even litter, auto parts, glass and plastic, debris on the road causes thousands of accidents each year.
- Pedestrians: Large commercial vehicles are unable to react as quickly as a standard car. Therefore, when a sudden stop or motion is required, as in the case that a pedestrian is crossing the road, the truck is often unable to stop in time.
- Potholes and Uneven Roads: Beyond the actual damage to the vehicle, potholes and uneven roads cause a great number of Connecticut auto accidents each and every year.
Avoiding every single common road hazard on the road is largely impossible. However, with a general knowledge of the most frequently seen types of dangers, Connecticut drivers will be better able to react accordingly. As a result, there will likely be a reduction in the number of motor vehicle collisions occurring each year throughout the state and across the country.
Contact An Experienced New Haven Injury Lawyer
With offices located in New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury and New London, Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers has spent decades fighting for the rights of those who have been injured in a motor vehicle crash. Our team of skilled personal injury attorneys understands what it takes to be successful in the courtroom. We believe that when a driver reacts inappropriately to a road hazard and causes a crash, this person must be held responsible for the damages in which they cause.
With years of experience, our legal staff is able to fight for the maximum compensation possible for the accident victims that we represent. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash, our Connecticut accident injury attorneys are here to help.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form on this page to learn more. You can also call 800-PERKINS.