It’s easy to assume that most accidents happen on unfamiliar roads far from home. However, the neighborhood streets that you drive everyday are actually the most dangerous. One study found that around 77% of car crashes involving bodily injuries occur within 10 miles of the place that person lives.
One reason is familiarity. If you drive on the same streets day in and day out, then you naturally get complacent. Over time you rely on instinct. You assume there won’t be a speeding car approaching from a cross street or a child running into the road chasing a toy. When driving on roads that you don’t know as well, we often pay more attention and drive more carefully.
Another reason is simply the number of miles you drive. Most of our driving occurs on roadways close to our home. You spend more time near your house so the odds of crashing on those roads are higher. If you work and have a local grocery store within 10 miles of your house, then you might drive 90% of your miles within that small zone. If you have a collision, the odds are pretty good you’ll be on one of those roads close to your home.
Accidents often occur when you least expect them. You’ve made that drive to work hundreds of times without any problems. You don’t expect today to be the day a problem occurs. This is exactly why we must always be vigilant when driving.
If you or a loved one is seriously injured in an auto accident, there are several steps you should take immediately to help preserve evidence. The experienced injury attorneys at Cooney Law Offices can help find fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Cooney Law Offices. We can help!