When you’re behind the wheel, you probably give a lot of thought to driving safely. That’s great, because defensive driving can prevent accidents. But did you know that where you drive can affect your chances of an accident just as much as how you drive?
This article discusses some of the ways that location affects accident risk. It also discusses your rights after a crash and how an Alabama personal injury attorney can help.
Why Location Matters in Accident Analysis
The road and route that a car travels on can raise or reduce the risk of an accident. Here are a few factors that often play a role:
Traffic Density
Crowded roads increase the risk of accidents. Put simply, more cars mean more drivers — and more chances for drivers to make mistakes.
To understand this principle, imagine a two-lane highway. If your car is the only one on the road, there’s little chance that you’ll crash into another car. But every time another car enters the road, the risk of a collision increases.
By this same logic, crowded roads present more opportunities for crashes. This is also why there are more accidents during rush hour and other high-traffic times.
Road Design
Every city has a road that creates problems for drivers. Whether it’s poor drainage, potholes, sharp curves, or inadequate signage, road issues can increase accident risk.
Driving Behavior
Unfortunately, when there are fewer cars around, people tend to drive more recklessly.
Driver Familiarity
People tend to let their guard down on roads they drive frequently. The lowered caution often leads to distracted or careless driving, because the route seems “safe.”
The Geography of Car Accidents in Alabama
The factors above play a significant role in Alabama traffic accidents. Here’s a closer look:
Traffic Density in Alabama: Urban vs. Rural
As noted, crowded roads increase the risk of accidents. Urban roads are more dangerous than rural ones. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), the majority of crashes in Alabama (76 percent) happen in cities. But this isn’t the end of the story. Urban areas have more crashes, but 59 percent of rural accidents end with fatalities. This may seem contradictory, but there are solid reasons.
In urban areas like Birmingham, factors such as complicated intersections, stop signs, pedestrians, and cyclists create opportunities for errors and crashes. But in rural Alabama, higher speed limits, poorly lit roads, and other factors lead to serious accidents. Additionally, it takes emergency services teams longer to reach rural accidents, which also contributes to higher fatality rates.
Road Design in Alabama
As anyone who’s driven on it certainly knows, U.S. 280 can be both crowded and confusing. The lane structure and lack of dedicated right turns in places are just a few of the reasons why it’s been named one of the “most loathed” roads in America.
Driver Familiarity in Alabama
You may have heard that most accidents occur within a short distance of a driver’s home. It’s true. According to ALDOT, nearly two-thirds of Alabama accidents happen within 25 miles of the driver’s home. Familiarity can lead to overconfidence, which, in turn, can lead to distracted driving or failure to notice changes in road conditions.
Driving Smart: Takeaways for Alabama Drivers
Whether you’re driving through downtown Birmingham or taking a ride on a country road, understanding where crashes are most likely to happen can help you stay safer. Here are some tips to address common concerns:
Driving Safely in the City
- Stay alert at intersections.
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Watch for sudden stops by buses, trash trucks, and other vehicles.
- Don’t engage with aggressive drivers.
Driving Safely in Rural Areas
- Watch out for wildlife.
- Don’t speed, even if you’re the only one on the road.
- Use your high beams to increase visibility (but turn them off for oncoming traffic).
- Gravel and dirt roads may reduce traction, increase stopping distances, and kick up dust. Drive slowly to maintain control.
- Give farm equipment and other slow-moving vehicles plenty of space. Only pass them when it is safe and legal to do so.
Driving Safely on Poorly Designed Roads
- Study the route ahead of time.
- Slow down to give yourself time to react.
- Increase your following distance.
- Scan ahead to anticipate curves and potential dangers.
- Avoid all distractions.
Driving Safely on Poorly Designed Roads
- Practice “fresh eyes” driving. This skill encourages drivers to see familiar routes as if they’re driving them for the first time.
- Beware of unpredictable neighborhood hazards like children, pets, joggers, and cyclists.
- Vary your route occasionally to break the monotony and encourage more attentive behavior.
- Narrate your driving (e.g., “Checking mirror,” “Signaling left”) to keep your mind engaged.
- Pay special attention at the beginning and end of each short trip, as research says these times are particularly prone to attention lapse.
Get Help Dealing with Accidents
No matter where it happens, an accident can turn your world upside down. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash, contact the Birmingham car accident lawyer at Collins Law. Our team helps injured people throughout Alabama with car accidents, trucking accidents, and other types of motor vehicle crashes. We have a proven track record of getting results for our clients. To learn what our team can do for you, call 205-588-1411 or use our website’s online scheduling tool to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
