Automobile Accidents

Signs of Aggressive Drivers Aggressive drivers are typically regarded as menaces on the road, as aggressive driving causes half of all car accident fatalities. When approached by an aggressive driver, your best bet is to get out of the driver’s way to avoid a serious accident. To protect your safety and the safety of your passengers, it is important to be aware of the signs of aggressive driving. Speeding. The most common sign of an aggressive driver is speeding. One-third of all fatal car accidents involve a speeding driver. If a speeding driver approaches you, do your best to get out of the driver’s way and ignore any gestures by the driver. Lane-changing. Oftentimes, aggressive drivers change lanes unnecessarily simply to pass as many cars as possible. Aggressive drivers may weave through traffic, even passing on the right. It is important to maintain your composure and to keep a safe distance from other drivers when approached by a driver who is weaving through traffic. Not observing signs or signals. Many aggressive drivers disobey traffic signs or regulations, or even speed through yellow or red lights. When crossing at an intersection or pulling out of a parking lot, make sure your path is clear before entering the roadway, even if you have a green light. Seeking confrontation. Aggressive drivers may make hand motions or try to engage other drivers by yelling out of a window, honking the horn or flashing headlights. In this way, aggressive drivers express road rage or a desire to fight. These drivers may also antagonize other drivers in an attempt to prompt a race. It’s best to simply ignore their attempts to get a rise out of you. Tailgating. By following at a very close distance, aggressive drivers try to force other drivers to speed up or get over. Tailgating is very dangerous, especially at high speeds. An unexpected obstacle or event on the road could cause a driver to slam on the brakes, resulting in a crash with the aggressive driver behind. The veteran car accident attorneys at The McClelland Law Group know how to seek compensation for an accident with an aggressive driver.  

Ten Tips for Safe Driving in Bad Weather Conditions Driving safely is made exponentially more difficult in poor weather conditions. Rain, snow, ice and fog can wreak havoc on driving conditions. The following is a list of 10 top tips that can help you be prepared no matter what the weather or road conditions bring: 1. Slow down. Speed is the biggest cause of accidents in bad weather. Slow down and take your time. 2. Allow extra space. Always allow extra space between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road when the conditions may be slippery. 3. Inspect your vehicle regularly. Check tires, lights, wiper blades and wiper fluid to make sure that everything is working properly. 4. Take care when braking and accelerating. Don’t make sudden movements when driving in bad weather. If you need to slow down, gently apply the brakes to reduce the chance of locking your tires and spinning out of control. Anti-locking braking systems help guard against this. 5. Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel. Keep two hands on the wheel and avoid sudden moves that can cause you to lose control. 6. Approach bridges cautiously. Bridges and overpasses often freeze first, causing vehicles to spin out of control on these elevated surfaces. 7. Use extra caution on mountainous roads. The weather can change rapidly in elevated terrain. Be alert, exercise extra caution and obey rules such as those pertaining to the use of tire chains. 8. Beware of black ice. Black ice is the first thin layer of ice that forms when the temperature gets near freezing. It looks like water on the road, and it can be extremely dangerous because it catches drivers unaware. 9. Stay in your vehicle if you get stranded. Keep emergency items such as blankets, food, water and flashlights in your vehicle. Don’t wander around looking for help; stay in your vehicle where it is safe. 10. Plan ahead and stay home if the weather is bad. Listen to weather reports before you set out, and if the predictions are dire, stay off the roads. Employing these tips can help keep you safe during inclement weather. However, if you are injured in an accident, consult with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury law firm to help protect your rights to compensation.