Driver error is one of the most common contributory factors that leads to a car accident, but the truth is, many drivers can’t identify what type of errors fall under this category.
But knowing how driver error is defined can help you take evasive action on the road, and practice defensive driving techniques to avoid making those life-changing mistakes.
Because according to many statistics, 90 percent of car accidents are caused in some way by driver error, also known as human error.
What Is Driver Error In Auto Accidents?
So what exactly is driver error?
This term refers to any unsafe behavior of a driver, including:
- Speeding – exceeding the posted speed limit can cause a driver to lose control over a vehicle, and strike another car with significant impact.
- Unsafe lane change – failing to perform a shoulder check before making a lane change can result in an accident due to a vehicle that is traveling in a blind spot.
- Distracted Driving – this includes texting-while-driving, chatting with a passenger, programming a GPS device, applying makeup, talking on a mobile phone even if you use a hands-free device, and driving under the influence (DUI), which can include alcohol, prescription drugs and illicit drugs.
- Failure To Stop – a lot of drivers fail to brake completely when they approach a stop sign. And because stop signs are often at four way intersections, a driver who fails to stop can hit another car or hit a pedestrian, causing devastating injuries.
In all cases, driver error is a mistake that causes a driver to lose focus on the road, take his or her hands off the wheel, or fail to adhere to common safety driving techniques.
Probably the best defense against driver error is for new drivers to take a defensive driving course to help them understand the basic rules of the road.
Driver Error Can Cause Life-Altering Injuries
The problem with driver error is that no matter what type of defensive driving techniques you practice, it only takes another careless driver to create a situation for a car accident that results in a personal injury claim. And once that happens, your injuries may alter your lifestyle for several years or for the rest of your life. We think victims in these cases deserve fair compensation for lost wages and for pain and suffering. At the law team of Fetterman & Associates, PA, we have an in-house investigative team, and a group of lawyers with decades of personal injury claims experience. Please call us today at 561-845-2510 to schedule a free consultation.
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