According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, more than 37,000 perish annually in motor vehicle accidents. What is worse than this figure is the realization that many, if not most, of those deaths may have been avoidable. Too often, people are careless, and the results are deadly. You can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim by sharing the road more conscientiously. These four tips, in fact, can provide you with the guidance you need to be a better driver.
1. Pedestrians should yield to traffic
A big part of sharing the road is watching out for your own safety. Even if you would not be at fault for an accident, driving-or in this case, walking-defensively is the best way to go. Even though motor vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians in many cases, it is always best to give the right of way if you sense a driver may not be paying attention.
2. Semi-trucks should stay in their lane
As a semi-truck driver, your greatest weakness on the road is blind spots. The size of your truck prohibits you from seeing all around it, so changing lanes is the most dangerous maneuver you might encounter on the road. Luckily, long haul truckers should not have to change lanes often, and avoiding doing so is one of the best ways to share the road effectively. Stay towards the right-hand lanes and maintain a steady speed.
3. Cyclists should maintain the flow of traffic
Bicyclists are often on the receiving end of ire when it comes to sharing the road, but there is no reason they cannot be a harmonious part of the driving ecosystem. The most important principle to remember is maintaining the speed and flow of the traffic surrounding you. Just as a car going too fast can pose a serious risk, a bicyclist going too slow can be dangerous, too.
4. Motorcycles should maintain visibility
Motorcycles may pose the greatest risk of all because they are often easily missed by drivers who are not paying attention. If you are riding a motorcycle, it is essential that you stay out of cars' blind spots and maintain visibility at all times. This is the most effective way to avoid collisions and ensure that drivers around you do not put you at unnecessary risk.
If you have been involved in an accident with a pedestrian, semi, motorcycle or bike, you should be familiar with your legal options. Reaching out to an attorney may help you better understand your legal rights.