Although many advances have been made to improve auto safety, most car accidents in New Jersey are caused by human error. To safely operate a vehicle, drivers must be fully focused on the task of getting from point A to point B.
When you’re driving, you can stay safer by keeping your eye on the road at all times and being aware of other drivers. Here are a few types of dangerous drivers to watch out for.
Fatigued drivers
Approximately one out of every three Americans doesn’t get enough sleep. This means that there are likely plenty of fatigued drivers on any road you’re traveling on. The risk of auto accidents with a tired driver increases at night. You may not always be able to spot a drowsy driver, but you can watch closely to make sure others are driving safely. Fatigued drivers often swerve in and out of lanes or drive too close to the side of the road.
Distracted drivers
Most people have driven while distracted at one point or another. Examples of distracted driving include:
- Eating
- Reading
- Talking on the phone
- Texting while driving
If you spot a distracted driver, pay close attention as you drive around them. It only takes a matter of seconds for a distraction to cause an accident.
Drunk drivers
In the U.S., approximately one person dies in a drunk driving-related accident every hour. Just one drink can be enough to cause a motorist to operate negligently and cause serious injury or even a fatality. If you notice a driver swerving, going too slow or driving too fast, use extreme caution.
You can’t control how another motorist drives. You can, however, pay attention to the warning signs of a dangerous driver to steer clear and minimize your risk of a car accident. Should a fatigued, distracted or drunk driver crash into you, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you prove that the driver was responsible for the collision and therefore liable for damages.