In Kentucky, car accidents occur for many reasons. Certain driving habits may feel so normal that you might not realize how dangerous they are. Being aware of these pitfalls could prevent you from getting into an accident.
Driving with distractions
Texting while driving is not only dangerous, but it is also against the law. However, mobile devices are not the only things capable of distracting you. While driving, you might think it is safe to eat your breakfast, adjust your GPS, reach for items in the backseat or have passionate conversations with your passengers.
However, diverting your attention from the road potentially increases the risk of a collision. In the few seconds it takes to glance away, your vehicle could travel the length of a football field. These seemingly harmless actions may pose a serious risk to you and others.
Following too closely
In Kentucky, tailgating could lead to accidents. It is difficult to notice when you are too close to another vehicle, especially during rush hour on busy highways and city streets. However, following another vehicle too closely could make it difficult to react if the driver in front of you brakes suddenly.
It might be beneficial to maintain a safe and reasonable distance from other vehicles, even in heavy and slow-moving traffic.
Neglecting traffic lights
If you are in a rush, it might feel tempting to accelerate through yellow lights that are about to turn red. However, these behaviors are dangerous, especially in intersections where pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles converge. Even if the intersection looks clear, another driver may approach from a direction you have not checked.
Can you receive financial compensation after an accident?
Kentucky follows a pure comparative negligence system. In other words, you may still be eligible for compensation whether you contributed to the accident or not. You could recover damages even if you bear 99% responsibility for a collision.
However, your total recovery is generally reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are 80% at fault for a crash, you may only recover 20% of your compensation.
Your vigilance makes the road safer
In Kentucky, being aware of dangerous driving habits could keep you safe from harm. Knowing what tendencies to avoid and paying attention to the road may help you avoid injury.