Auto Accidents from Improper Lane Changes
There are so many hazards on the road, and it can sometimes take good defensive driving skills to keep yourself and others safe. When you have been harmed in a car accident, he team at our Oklahoma City law firm can help. We have years of experience handling legal claims over car accidents and crashes, and we always fight hard for our clients.
Many serious collisions are caused by people making improper lane changes. Let's detail some examples of improper, illegal, and/or dangerous decisions bad driver make while changing lanes.
Failure to Use Turn Signals
Turn signals help us display our intentions to the drivers who are around us. It's also a way for use to warn pedestrians and bicyclists of what we're about to do. When people fail to use their turn signals, they can place people at major risk for injuries and other kinds of harm. On highways, the failure to use turn signals could result in serious side impacts as well as multi-car collisions.
When you're behind the wheel, always signal when changing lanes, merging, and turning. Also make sure that your blinkers are in proper working order.
Failure to Check Mirrors and Blind Spots
When merging into traffic or changing lanes, it's important to check your mirrors and blind spots before proceeding. This allows you to note any nearby traffic or oncoming traffic, and to avoid collisions in the process. Frighteningly, some people do not check their mirrors or blind spots as they're changing lanes. This results in a greater likelihood of major collisions.
When you're on the road, always check your mirrors and blind spots before turning or merging. This can literally save lives.
Switching Lanes Too Frequently
On city streets or multi-lane highways, you may notice cars darting around from lane to lane, weaving in between and around other cars. This is quite dangerous, and other drivers may have to make split-second reactions to avoid collisions with the motorist. Often times, the person making frequent lane changes is speeding and failing to observe the right of way.
Rather than switching lanes constantly, do your best to pick a lane and stay in it until it's prudent to switch lanes. This can keep the drivers around you safe.
Cutting Multiple Lanes to Make Exits or Turns
Sometimes you may not be in the proper lane to make your exit or your turn. Bad drivers may very suddenly cut across multiple lanes of traffic to hit that exit or make that turn. This put all the drivers in the adjacent lanes at risk. At high speeds, this could mean a serious multi-vehicle crash.
If you're driving, try to plan ahead and be in the proper lane to make your turn or your exit. If you miss your turn or exit, simply proceed to the next one and make you way back around. Common sense and courtesy is generally a way to ensure safety.
Other Dangers That Make Changing Lanes a Hazard
We've note some specific kinds of behaviors that lead to improper or dangerous lane changes, but here are some other dangers to consider on the road:
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Texting while driving
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Cell phone use behind the wheel
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Driver distraction
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Drunk driving
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Inattentive driving
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Reckless driving
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Driver fatigue
- Speeding
Anytime someone drives recklessly or without regard for others, it can make any action that much more serious.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
For more information about your legal rights following a serious motor vehicle collision, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. Our team of attorneys will work with you and ensure you receive expert legal counsel.
