Motor vehicle accidents occur every day across the country, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety wants drivers to understand that there are ways to avoid some of the most frequent crash types. Drivers need to be aware that modern technology can assist as great tools in newer vehicles, but there are also several easy-to-implement practices that will assist drivers with overall safer vehicle operations.
Drivers combining hands-free cell use with other distractions
Drivers in North Carolina and across the nation use hands-free devices in order to talk on their cellphones while driving. While some may feel like this makes driving safer, data actually shows the opposite to be true. It seems that when a person uses a hands-free cellphone while driving, he or she is likely to engage in other risky behaviors at the same time.
How negligence works in car accidents
North Carolina drivers are likely interested in finding out how negligence applies to auto accidents. This information could help them drive safer and determine if they have a legal case against another person who caused an accident.
Truck collisions: the five most frequent causes
Collisions between big rigs and passenger vehicles are all too common in North Carolina, and their causes can be divided roughly into five categories. The first and most widespread is, of course, driver error. Both truckers and passenger vehicle drivers can cause a crash by being drowsy, drunk, drugged or distracted behind the wheel. However, 81% of truck crashes involving driver error are caused by passenger vehicle drivers.
How North Carolina drivers can avoid a crash in winter
Winter driving is dangerous, what with the sleet and ice and snow that can cover the roads and make them slippery. By considering the following tips, though, drivers can keep safe and reduce the risk for an accident. First, they should head out on the road only when necessary (work, errands etc.). Once on the road, they should keep their speed down and maintain a distance of at least five or six seconds from the car in front.
Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving
Most North Carolina motorists understand that driving under the influence is dangerous and illegal. However, many people don't realize that driving while sleepy is just as hazardous. Worse, almost everyone does it at some point in their lives.
Bill proposes automatic emergency braking for all CMVs
North Carolina residents in the trucking industry may be interested to hear that a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 16 that would require automatic emergency braking on all new CMVs. The bill is likely to create controversy among truck fleet owners, especially those who may not be able to pay $500 for every AEB system they need.
DOT preparing to relax hours-of-duty regulations
Hours-of-service regulations limit the amount of time that truck drivers in North Carolina and around the country can remain behind the wheel. The rules are designed to prevent drowsy driving accidents, but industry groups claim that they are too restrictive. The Trump administration may have been swayed by this argument as recent media reports suggest that the Department of Transportation is planning to relax hours-of-service rules.
Negligence explained as it applies to car accidents
"Negligence" is a term most people in North Carolina have probably heard at one time or another. However, in the legal world, it has a very specific definition when it's used in reference to a motor vehicle accident. Drivers with a better understanding of this term may have more an incentive to be safer while behind the wheel.
CVSA cracks down on speeding with Operation Safe Driver Week
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, speeding accounts for more than 25% of all the car crash deaths that have occurred since 2008. The organization also reported that 94% of the traffic crashes in 2015 involved speeding. Drivers of both passenger and commercial vehicles in North Carolina should know, though, that something is being done to reduce car crash numbers, especially speeding-related ones.
