Misjudging Speed And Accident Risks
Miami’s streets and highways can be smooth areas of travel, but they can also be locations involving traffic accidents. A common factor in these incidents is the misjudgment of speed by drivers. As a driver, it is important to understand factors that contribute to accidents and take proactive safety measures in order to avoid collisions, when possible.
In cases where misjudgment of speed leads to an accident, connect with a legal professional to protect your rights. Seek legal guidance from an experienced Miami personal injury lawyer.
Common Situations of Misjudging Speed
Misjudging speed is more common in certain situations than others. For example, in intersections drivers often miscalculate the speed of oncoming vehicles which can lead to dangerous right-of-way violations and T-bone accidents.
Additionally, misjudging the speed of vehicles in adjacent lanes is a common cause of accidents during lane changes because when a driver tries to merge without realizing the speed of the approaching vehicle, collision risks increase.
Some of the reasons why drivers misjudge speed:
- Visual perception errors. A primary reason for misjudging speed is visual perception errors connected to weather conditions, visibility, or the contrast between the vehicle and its surroundings.
- Inadequate reference points. Often drivers rely on reference points, from roadside signs to stationary objects to assess the speed, and if these reference points are unreliable, a driver may struggle to determine speed accurately.
- Distracted driving. A significant safety issue, distracted drivers frequently engage in activities like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting their GPS, and when a vehicle operator’s attention is diverted from the road it becomes challenging to accurately judge the speed of surrounding vehicles.
- Inexperienced drivers. When a person is a new driver, they may be unfamiliar with traffic flow and be more likely to misjudge speed as they have not yet developed the skills to accurately assess the speed.
To protect yourself from the risks associated with misjudging speed, ensure you maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Then you are able to react to any sudden changes in speed or direction.
Eliminate Distractions and Be Cautious at Intersections
Things you can do to protect yourself from accidents due to speed misjudgments include exercising caution when approaching intersections and respecting pedestrian crossings. This means double-checking the speed of oncoming vehicles at intersections, being prepared to yield if necessary, and always slowing down when approaching pedestrian crossings, even if you think you have the right of way.
If you have done all you can and are still involved in a Florida accident, connect with a Miami personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Has a speed misjudgement upended your life? Discuss the specifics of your situation with the legal team at Spencer Morgan Law. Whether you misjudged the speed of a vehicle and merged into their lane or you were struck by another driver who did not analyze your travel speed correctly, an attorney can advise you on your recovery options. Schedule your fee-free consultation today, call 305-423-3800.