Anyone who gets out on this nation’s roads is putting their life into the hands of the other drivers around them. While putting safety first should be something that everyone does, many drivers won’t follow proper safety protocol and traffic laws. Those drivers are a risk to everyone on the roads.
There are many risk factors that can signal that a driver has an increased chance of being involved in a wreck. In fact, some of these factors are used by insurance companies to assign drivers a risk category. Understanding some of these perils may help drivers to remain as safe as possible while on the road.
Age and experience
Younger drivers and those who don’t have a lot of driving experience are more likely to be involved in a crash. Typically, insurers look favorably upon people who are at least 25 years old because the risk of them wrecking isn’t as great as younger drivers. Females and married individuals are also thought to be a lower risk factor.
Prior driving history
People who have a history of risky driving are more likely to continue those behaviors than those who don’t. Insurers will check a driving record before determining what the policy premium will be. While it is true that some people will be involved in an accident but drive safely after that, changing behaviors is difficult so many will continue driving like they’re accustomed to.
Current driving behavior
Drivers who are intoxicated, fatigued or distracted are more likely to cause a wreck than those who aren’t. Driving aggressively can also lead to crashes because aggressive drivers often take unnecessary risks that put others around them in danger. Speeding and refusing to follow traffic laws can also lead to disaster.
Wrecks can be caused by anyone on the roads. Regardless of who causes it, the victims will likely need to seek medical care. When the injuries are catastrophic, they may be unable to return to work and could require long-term medical care. This can weigh heavily on the victim’s finances, as well as their family members.
If you’re the victim of another driver’s negligence, you may choose to seek compensation for the injuries you suffer. This may include damages for medical care, lost wages and similar financial matters. Working closely with someone familiar with these cases is beneficial since they can help you to protect your interests.