Whether on city streets, county roads or busy highways, vehicle collisions can have catastrophic results. From serious injuries to devastating property damage, a car crash can lead to lifelong consequences. While it is challenging for drivers to remain safe at all times, it is imperative that he or she stays aware of the potential hazards other drivers can represent.
Here are three factors that can lead to some of the most severe collisions on our Kentucky roads:
- Distracted driving: While it is almost universally recognized as dangerous, attempting to multitask while driving is a habit that simply won’t go away. Whether the activity represents a cognitive, manual or visual distraction, the driver will always lose some form of attention or control. Unfortunately, the list of distractions continues to grow. From eating and drinking to making a phone call or adjusting the speed of the rear window wiper, any activity can lead to a serious collision.
- Drowsy driving: Whether it is in the early morning or late at night, drivers who are fatigued can become dangerous to themselves and those around them. Yawning, blurred vision and dulled reaction times can all work against a driver to negatively impact his or her ability to safely operate the motor vehicle. When they are piloting a commercial truck or 18-wheeler, the collisions can be severe with catastrophic injuries.
- Impaired driving: While the phrase impaired driving is commonly used to refer to drivers who are drunk or tipsy from alcohol, it can also refer to controlled substances or prescription medication. These substances can have devastating side effects as the driver might struggle with drowsiness, dulled perceptions, blurred vision or slowed reactions. Some strong medications and illegal drugs can lead to visual or auditory hallucinations directly impacting a driver’s safety.
In any weather, on any type of road, it is crucial that you remain aware of your surroundings and the drivers around you. What started out as a pleasant commute can quickly turn dangerous if the driver behind you decides to send a text, take a bite of their dinner or adjust their in-dash control systems. If you were injured in a collision, do not hesitate to discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney.