Highway accidents can happen in a split second and completely change your life. The best way to avoid them is to know what mistakes to avoid while driving in Michigan. Here’s a look at some common preventable blunders.
Not paying attention to the road
Distractions are some of the leading causes of car accidents in Michigan. It’s easy to get distracted, especially when you are new to the roads or not used to long drives. Some of the things that can take your attention away from the road include:
- Interesting stuff on the road
- Your phone
- Daydreaming
- Your passengers
- The dashboard
Driving too fast for the conditions
Driving over the designated speed limit is dangerous. Moreover, driving the speed limit in risky conditions is equally perilous. For example, if it is raining or snowing, you should be going slower than the speed limit because it takes longer to stop in these conditions. Also, windy conditions can make it harder to navigate turns.
Not leaving enough space between you and other cars
Leaving enough distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you is important for many reasons. First, it gives you time to react if the other driver makes a sudden stop. Second, it prevents you from rear-ending the other car if they make a sudden stop. Finally, it gives you more time to brake if necessary.
You should always leave at least three seconds between you and the car in front of you. If you are driving in bad weather or slippery roads, you should leave even more space.
Michigan is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that each driver’s own insurance company will pay for their medical expenses and property damage, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if the injury is severe and the damages to your vehicle go beyond what your insurance company can cover, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible driver.
