Traffic violations are not just legal infractions but also significant contributors to road accidents. Ignoring traffic rules can result in severe consequences, including injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Understanding the most common traffic violations that often lead to accidents is crucial for promoting road safety. The following are some of the most common traffic violations that our Norfolk car accident attorneys see in the cases we handle.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit is one of the most prevalent traffic violations worldwide and a leading cause of accidents. Driving at high speeds reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases the stopping distance, making it challenging to avoid collisions, especially in unexpected situations. Speeding also amplifies the impact of accidents, resulting in more severe injuries and damage. Additionally, it disrupts the flow of traffic, leading to congestion and further risks on the road.
Running Red Lights
Disregarding traffic signals, especially running red lights, poses significant dangers to both drivers and pedestrians. Intersection collisions due to red light running often result in T-bone accidents, where the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents can be catastrophic, causing severe injuries or fatalities. Moreover, running red lights undermines the predictability of traffic flow, increasing the likelihood of collisions and road chaos.
Distracted Driving
With the proliferation of smartphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving has become a pressing concern on the roads. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS, or even eating while driving divert the driver’s attention from the road, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Distracted drivers are less likely to notice potential hazards, react promptly to changes in traffic conditions, or maintain control over their vehicles, making them prone to collisions.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also extremely hazardous. Intoxicated drivers experience impaired judgment, reduced coordination, slower reaction times, and compromised motor skills, making them unable to drive safely. DUI-related accidents often result in devastating consequences, including severe injuries, fatalities, and substantial property damage. Strict enforcement of DUI laws and public awareness campaigns are crucial in combating this menace on the roads.
Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
Tailgating, or following other vehicles at an unsafe distance, is a common traffic violation that frequently leads to rear-end collisions. When drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance, they have insufficient time to react if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly. Tailgating not only increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions but also escalates the severity of accidents, especially at higher speeds. Maintaining a proper following distance is essential for allowing adequate reaction time and minimizing the risk of collisions.
Preventing Accidents
Traffic violations significantly contribute to car accidents, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Understanding the common violations that often lead to accidents and taking proactive measures to address them are essential for promoting road safety. By obeying traffic laws, practicing defensive driving techniques, and fostering a culture of responsibility on the roads, we can mitigate the risks associated with traffic violations and make our roads safer for everyone.
Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp for Legal Assistance
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our skilled Norfolk car accident lawyers. Our personal injury attorneys have successfully obtained financial compensation for many clients, like the $235,000 car accident insurance settlement for one client who suffered multiple injuries when another motorist negligently failed to yield the right of way.
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An experienced personal injury attorney with dual licensure in Virginia and North Carolina, Eric Washburn received a B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University—initially worked in the information technology field before obtaining his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Once an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Danville, Va., Eric has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” Super Lawyer in Virginia since 2014.
