New drivers face many challenges as they build up the experience needed to manage everyday distractions and crisis situations behind the wheel. Teen drivers account for 10% of distracted driving accidents nationwide,¹ with rear-end accidents being one of the most common collisions caused by inattentive driving.

Your auto accident attorney knows that Texas law requires drivers to utilize a safe following distance and to maintain a proper lookout. Essentially, being unable to stop in time to prevent a rear-end collision strongly suggests inattentive or distracted driving.

Since September 1, 2017, Texas law forbids texting while driving, further strengthening and clarifying the existing laws regarding distracted or inattentive driving, as well as directly banning cell phone use while driving for those under 18.⁴

Texas teens and their parents will need a solid understanding of this topic. Let’s clearly define distracted driving, explore how it is a causative factor in rear-end accidents, and discuss strategies teens can use to stay safe through this phase of driving.

Distracted Driving Defined

Distracted driving statistics indicate that every day about 9 people die and more than 1,000 are injured in accidents caused by this behavior,⁵ and, of all age groups, teens have the highest fatality rate.² These facts are definitely cause for concern.

Distracted or inattentive driving is defined as operating a vehicle while performing another task which is:

• Manually distracting—Takes your hands off the wheel or your feet off the pedals.
• Cognitively distracting— Mentally distracts you from the task of driving.
• Visually distracting—Interferes with keeping your eyes on the road.
• Auditorily distracting—Interferes with your ability to hear road dangers and warning sounds.

Why Are Teens at Higher Risk of Distracted Driving?

Teens may underestimate the dangers due to their lack of driving experience. They are also statistically more likely to engage in these high risk driving behaviors that leave little room for error:³

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Following too close; tailgating
• Passing without enough clearance
• Failing to yield
• Not wearing a seat belt

The Top 5 Driving Distractions

Consider including these common categories of driving distractions when you coach your teen about safe driving. Because they are lacking the experience to recognize dangerous situations or make critical decisions on the spur of the moment, considering these dangers beforehand will help prepare your teen for the situations they will face.

To avoid dangerous rear-end collisions, high insurance rates, and the need for an auto accident lawyer, be sure your teen understands these common distractions and has strategies ready to combat them:

1. Texting While Driving

Despite state laws forbidding the practice, a recent survey showed that almost half of teen drivers admitted to reading a text message or email while driving in the past 30 days.⁶ They indicated that they understood the rules against this behavior, but were still the most likely age group to hold multi-text conversations at the wheel.²

Considering that, at 55 mph, reading five seconds of text means you drive the length of a football field without looking, understanding the seriousness of the risk is the key to prevention. Help your teen to understand that the following distance needed to avoid rear-end accidents is drastically increased if distractions take their eyes from the road ahead and one hand off the wheel.

Slowing down while texting or using the phone can also cause teens to be the victims of rear-end collisions if they fail to follow traffic flow or react to traffic light changes. All in all, this may be the most dangerous of teen driving habits, and it deserves extra parental attention.

2. Other Technological Distractions

Adjusting mirrors, programming the GPS, and changing the radio station all take your teen’s eyes off the road and attention away from driving safely. Teach and model the habit of making these adjustments before taking the car out of park. The moments it takes to do a check of all the necessary systems before beginning to drive mean full focus while the car is moving.

Many teens—and adults—find music relaxing while they drive. Encourage your teens to have a driving playlist so that no changes are needed while moving and to keep the volume low enough that they can easily hear horns, sirens, or train whistles while driving.

3. Eating and Drinking

Both of these are distracting and require a hand to leave the steering wheel. Taking care not to spill liquids or drip cheeseburger juice on your outfit means your attention is divided. A sudden spill can cause a sudden swerve for an inexperienced driver. Coach your teen to eat or drink before long drives or stop to enjoy a snack or beverage.

4. Personal Grooming

Taking care of those last-minute grooming tasks behind the wheel might seem efficient, but it is a dangerous practice. Teens are some of the most rushed and appearance-conscious people among us, and looking good upon arrival may seem urgent, but coach your teens to brush their hair and apply makeup only when the vehicle is parked. The results will be much better in any case.

5. Teen Passengers

Talk to your teen about the responsibility of passengers, in general, and teen passengers in particular. All children, pets, and passengers should be secured before starting the car, to reduce their distracting influence.

Having teen passengers, especially male teens, statistically increases risky driving behaviors like following too close, or tailgating.⁵ Peer pressure to pass or drive faster or just general exuberance and requests to turn up the music can all be factors in inattentive or reckless driving behaviors.

Teach your teens what is expected and that they are in charge of the situation as the driver. Passengers will need to wear seat belts and avoid distracting or harassing them while they drive. Above all, coach your teens not to start or continue driving if they feel they cannot do so safely, no matter what the reason.

Coaching Your Teen About Driving Safely

Teens need this important time to gain experience behind the wheel, and parents will want to open up a dialog about the safety rules they expect their teens to follow. Looking at this as a coaching opportunity can keep the lines of communication open while sharing and even expanding your own driving expertise.

Topics to Cover

Consider coaching your teen on all of these potentially dangerous driving situations:

• Distracted Driving
• Nighttime Driving
• Drowsy Driving
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving
• Road Rage
• Peer Pressure
• Impaired Driving

Coaching Strategies

Your teens are individuals, and you know how best to motivate them, but consider some of these suggestions when having the important discussions:

• Teach by example, and make sure you avoid driving when distracted.
• Point out when you are doing your pre-drive check of mirrors, GPS, music, etc.
• Be open to changing if they point out your own habits which don’t align with the rules.
• Support them in noticing and calling out their friends’ bad driving habits.
• Suggest safe driving pledge programs or other activities that reward safe driving.

Discuss what to do if they are involved in an accident, describe the process, and mention that police, an insurance company agent, and car accident lawyer may need to be involved.

Being There if an Accident Happens

Developing these safe driving habits during this critical phase will reap benefits down the road. Sometimes, despite developing these skills, your teens might be involved in accidents and need an experienced car, motorcycle, or truck accident lawyer on their side in a dispute.

Before you decide to deal with your teen’s accident through your insurance agency’s attorneys, reach out to an expert car accident attorney from the Houston, Texas team of Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. We will be happy to offer a free consultation without obligation to discuss the details of a rear-end accident or other collision.

There are no fees unless you win the case, and you and your family deserve fair compensation. Ensure your own allies are gathering the evidence on your family’s behalf while the information is still fresh and compelling. Call us today and let us protect your teen from paying the price of someone else’s distracted driving.

Sources:

1. https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/a-look-at-distracted-driving-on-national-teen-driver-safety-week/337362964
2. https://www.dmv.org/distracted-driving/teens-and-distracted-driving.php
3. https://www.justia.com/injury/motor-vehicle-accidents/car-accidents/teen-driver-car-accidents/
4. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/statewide-news/018-2017.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html
6. https://newsroom.aaa.com/2016/06/aaa-reveals-top-driving-distractions-teens-100-deadliest-days-begin/

Tailgating is a leading cause of rear-end collisions, which comprise 23% of all motor vehicle crashes.¹ The victims of this illegal behavior may not know how to protect against aggressive drivers and look to car accident lawyers for help with their injuries and damages after an accident.

There are steps you can take to avoid following too close, prevent others from tailgating you, or to safely escape the situation if it happens. Texas drivers have a duty to exercise care, caution, and control, as well as keeping a “proper lookout.” But what does that mean?

Let’s look at the key factors behind tailgating and road rage in more detail.

What Is Tailgating?

Tailgating is following the vehicle in front of you so closely that you would be unable to stop suddenly with room to spare. Following too closely is a leading cause of rear-end collisions and might result in a traffic ticket or even a car accident law suit.

So, it is clear that we need to follow the vehicle in front of us at a safe and cautious distance. But just how far is that?

What Is a Safe Following Distance?

According to state highway and transportation officials, the minimum safe following distance is two seconds.¹ In daylight and perfect driving conditions, when the car in front of you passes a mile marker, count 2 seconds. If you pass the mile marker early, you are following too close.

At night, the recommended minimum safe spacing is 3 seconds, and 4 seconds in inclement weather. Of course, these recommendations cannot fully account for these factors that affect your stopping distance:

• Speed. The faster you are moving the more distance you will need to stop.
• Rain. The first few minutes of a rainstorm are the most dangerous, due to oil and dust on the road surface.
• Tire Condition. If your tires are lacking tread, you will require a longer distance to stop.
• Brake System Health. If essential parts are worn, use extra caution until these are repaired.
• Variability Between Vehicles. Heavily loaded vehicles or those with trailers take longer to stop. Motorcycles and small cars stop quickly, perhaps more quickly than you expect. Allow more space when driving these types of vehicles and be aware of them in traffic around you.

Expect the Unexpected

In less than perfect conditions it takes a second or more to notice and analyze danger, this is known as perception time. Then, the body needs time to react, applying the brake or taking evasive action, which is our reaction time.

Low visibility and distraction lengthen perception times, while fatigue or other factors increase reaction times. Both of these play into choosing the right following distance for the current situation.

Nothing stops the vehicle in front of you faster than impact. When determining your safe following distance, remember that an animal could run out suddenly or cars in front of you could have an accident, causing a pileup.

Fog, rain, and darkness increase perception time. Watch for brake lights and keep these factors in mind at night or in busy fast-moving traffic and make sure you and your passengers arrive safely.

Discouraging Tailgaters and Mitigating Road Rage

Tailgating and sudden braking is the number one reported reason for road rage. A surprising 39.5% of the time, this is the identified trigger for the aggressive, abusive, and dangerous driving behaviors commonly known as road rage.²

Accidents which include road rage behavior are difficult to settle fairly and might send you to the office of an auto injury lawyer. Prevention is a far better first step than allowing anger or anxiety to change your safe driving habits. Keeping your own emotions in check is essential but won’t change the behavior of other drivers.

So, what can you do to stop others from tailgating your car and putting your safety at risk? There are proactive and reactive strategies you may employ to defuse tense driving situations.

Prevention Is the Best Defense

Even if you are driving the speed limit, other drivers may be traveling faster than you. Rather than ignoring their desire to pass you, offer them every opportunity to safely go around. Remember that you are the responsible driver and your actions protect your own safety.

• If a car is tailgating you, take advantage of available slow traffic pull-outs.
• Keep in the right-hand lane except to pass. Observe “slow traffic keep right” signage.
• Be aware of fast-moving cars that may pass on the right without giving you time to merge back.
• Don’t speed up on straightaways; allow those behind you to pass if they are waiting.
• Allow fast-moving cars to merge in front of you if safe and practical.
• Avoid pacing the car or truck beside you which creates a “rolling roadblock” effect which may frustrate other drivers.
• If another driver flashes their lights, realize that in many parts of the country this is just a sign of their intention to go around you, not an intentional insult. Do what you can to make it safer for them to pass.
• Use your turn signals early and let the tailgater know you are changing lanes or slowing down for a turn.
• Avoid trapping other drivers behind another slow-moving vehicle or cutting off other vehicles only to slow down in front of them.

What If These Steps Don’t Work?

While practicing good driving etiquette can keep you out of harm’s way, you might encounter someone who is determined to tailgate you for reasons of their own. There are a few more steps you can take to reduce the risk of being in an accident.

• Remain calm, give extra attention to your own driving, and don’t speed.
• Turn the music down and if you were on the phone, end your call.
• Do not repeatedly tap the brake or slow down drastically for no reason.
• Give them every opportunity to pass you safely.
• Get behind a truck or other large vehicle traveling at a steady speed.
• Take the next safe turn or pull off into a business or wayside.

What Should You Do If You Are in an Accident Involving Tailgating?

Perhaps despite all of your best efforts the worst happens, and you are involved in a rear-end collision. Before you call a car accident injury attorney, take care of essential steps first.

1. Call the police. Insurance companies and car accident injury lawyers expect there will be a police report. The officer can also call for an ambulance, tow trucks, and traffic control backup to prevent the accident from becoming a pileup.
2. Document all information. Make notes and take pictures if possible. Get the names of any witnesses and how to contact them, as well as getting all information about the other driver involved and their passengers. Document the information for your own passengers as well.
3. Get medical help. After an accident you or the others involved may be in shock and not able to evaluate your own injuries, and it might be days before all injuries are apparent. Seeking medical advice early begins the medical record that may be an important part of any dispute.
4. Seek legal advice. If you or a passenger in your vehicle was injured, relying on the insurance companies to offer a full and fair settlement might be a disappointing plan. Car accident lawyers are personal injury attorneys, and reputable firms will offer a free consultation and no fee unless you win your case, so get the best advice you can.

Look Out Behind You

If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, looking for a free legal consultation and safeguarding the opportunity to receive fair and full compensation will be the best next step you can take. Car accident law firms vary widely in their level of expertise and reputation, so choose a team you can trust.

One of the most experienced firms you can have on your side in any personal injury dispute is Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. With over 100 years of combined trial experience and thousands of satisfied clients, we have the best team of car accident lawyers in Houston and beyond.

Call Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. today for your free consultation and to find out if you might be owed compensation such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. There is no substitute for an expert evaluation of the facts in your case. Best of all, there is no fee unless you win your case.

If tailgating causes your accident, don’t let what’s behind you stand in the way of your future. Take care of yourself and find the strongest allies to deal with the insurance company lawyers on the other side. Every day memories fade and facts might be forgotten, so reach out to the experts as soon as possible.

Sources:

1. http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/fsriskstailgati.pdf
2. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-47149/Tailgating-main-cause-road-rage.html

Safe driving requires being able to see the road. The larger your vehicle, the larger your blind spot, and the more work for a car accident lawyer if you crash. A large SUV can hide an entire mid-size sedan, and a tractor-trailer can hide several vehicles.

Vehicles, parked cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals may be outside your field of vision.

Avoid an Accident! It Only Takes a Second to Check Over Your Shoulder

See around your vehicle’s frame by looking over your shoulder. Taking this extra second ensures there’s enough room to maneuver. It also lets you see the distance between you and a vehicle just passed (and reduces the chances of needing a car accident attorney).

When changing lanes or merging, always alert other drivers of your intent and know the environment around you, and an auto accident attorney won’t be needed.

Always Use Your Blinker When Changing Lanes

Turn signals are important assets. Misusing them results in far too many accidents requiring an auto accident lawyer. In fact, turn signal neglect is responsible for more accidents than distracted driving!

Know Your Car’s and Other Drivers’ Specific Blind Spots—e.g., Truck “No Zones”

Cars have three blind spots—the A-pillar, B-pillar, and C-pillar; in modern cars, the A-pillar is wider to accommodate larger airbags and improve gas mileage. A truck has a much larger blind spot, extending well behind and in front of the front bumper. This distance is larger than a typical compact car, as any truck accident lawyer knows. Drivers must be especially careful when passing to the right.

Enhanced safety features can avoid blind spot issues. Read on for more information about checking blind spots, driving safely, and finding the right car accident lawyer.

We all know that drunk driving is against the law and punishable by a variety of civil and criminal penalties. For far too many people, however, all those public service announcements on TV and finger-wagging posters at the bus-stop are just background noise that we easily ignore. In practice, a lot of us are prone to making excuses for getting behind the wheel while under the influence. We’re not “really” drunk—just a little buzzed, maybe. Sometimes we may even tell ourselves that we drive more carefully when we’ve had a few drinks. These are common rationalizations, but that doesn’t make them acceptable.

Drunk driving is a social menace that should not be underestimated. This is as good a time as any to provide some hard facts and figures about drunk driving, as well as the current laws in Texas relating to this crime.

Some Alarming Statistics

Numbers don’t lie—driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious problem in America:

• In the year 2016, 10,497 people were killed in drunk driving accidents. Another 290,000 were injured.¹
• 29% of all deaths related to traffic accidents can be attributed to alcohol impairment.²
• There are around 111 episodes of driving under the influence each year.³
• In the year 2015, close to 1.1 million people were arrested for DWI.⁴
• Non-alcoholic drugs are a factor in 16% of all auto accidents.⁵
• Approximately one-third of drivers who are arrested or convicted for DWI offenses are repeat offenders.⁶
• One-third of teenage drivers believe that marijuana improves their driving skills.⁷
• On average, a driver’s first arrest for DWI is preceded by more than eighty episodes of drunk driving.⁸
• Drunk driving episodes incur $132 billion in damages every year.⁹
• In Texas, deaths from drunk driving add up to nearly $5 billion in costs each year.¹⁰
• 13% of all night-time drivers on the weekend have marijuana in their system.¹¹
• On Texas roads, someone is hurt or killed in a drunk driving accident every 20 minutes.¹²

It is beyond all dispute that drugs and/or alcohol impair driving skills roughly in proportion to the quantity in which they are present in the human body. A little alcohol results in only slight impairment that does not exceed legal parameters. A lot of alcohol renders an individual unsuited for driving altogether. That’s why every state in America—Texas included—has laws against drunk driving.

How Much Alcohol Is Acceptable?

As you probably know already, drunk driving laws in the United States are based on the metric of blood alcohol content (BAC). This can be defined as the percentage of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) in the bloodstream of an individual at any given time. Driving a vehicle with a BAC at or above the maximum level designated by law for the circumstances in question is illegal.

In the state of Texas, as in all other states, the legal BAC level is under 0.08% for general driving circumstances. A BAC of 0.08% is achieved from imbibing approximately four standard alcoholic drinks for individuals of average height/weight, for men, and three drinks for women – although it may be as few as one alcoholic drink for those of lower body mass index. At this level of intoxication, people usually experience a number of effects that tend to erode their driving skills: poor physical coordination, sluggish reaction time, and difficulty concentrating. Even if an individual displays no such impairment, it is still illegal for them to operate a vehicle if their BAC is at or above 0.08%. “But I don’t feel drunk” is not an acceptable defense.

There are certain situations where a driver’s maximum permissible BAC under Texas law is significantly below 0.08%:

• Drivers of commercial vehicles cannot have a BAC level of 04% or higher.
• Drivers under the age of 21 cannot have any detectable amount of alcohol in their systems. Because Texas law permits minors a limited right to consume alcohol (e.g., when in the presence of a supervising guardian), some people are unaware the state enforces zero tolerance for under-21 persons when it comes to driving under the influence.

It is also illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle—regardless of whether the driver has actually drunk from it. Even the passenger of the vehicle is barred from having an open container.

Now let’s look at the penalties the State of Texas imposes on drunk drivers.

Penalties for Drunk Driving in Texas

So, what happens to someone who gets pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in the state of Texas? They are expected to consent to a blood or breath test to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol. Refusal to go along with this results in an automatic suspension of their driver’s license for 180 days.

If the driver is found to be under the influence, they are subject to legal penalties dependent on a range of factors, such as prior DUI offenses.

DWI IN TEXAS 1^ST OFFENSE

If the driver has never been convicted of a DWI before, then they are subject to legal penalties as follows:

• Jail sentence of 3-180 days
• A fine up to $2,000
• A yearly fee of $1,000 or $2,000, payable for three years, to keep driver’s license
• Loss of driver’s license for a period up to a year¹³

DWI IN TEXAS 2^nd OFFENSE

• Jail sentence of one month to one year
• A fine up to $4,000
• A yearly fee of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000, payable for three years, to keep driver’s license
• Loss of driver’s license for a period up to two years¹⁴

In addition, persons who have been convicted of DWI twice in a five-year period are required to install an ignition switch in their vehicle to prevent it from starting if the driver is under the influence.¹⁵

DWI IN TEXAS 3^rd OFFENSE

• Prison sentence of 2-10 years
• A fine of $10,000
• A yearly fee of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000, payable for three years, to keep driver’s license
• Loss of driver’s license for a period up to two years¹⁶

DWI IN TEXAS WITH A PASSENGER UNDER 15

If the driver is guilty of a DWI while one or more passengers under the age of 15 are in the vehicle, then child endangerment penalties will apply. These are as follows:

• Jail sentence up to two years
• A fine up to $10,000
• Loss of driver’s license for 180 days¹⁷

DWI IN TEXAS FOR MINORS

Drivers under the age of 21 can be convicted of driving under the influence if they have any detectable amount of intoxicants in their system. For a first offense, a driver age 17-20 faces the following penalties:

• Jail sentence of 72 hours to 180 days
• A fine up to $2,000
• Loss of driver’s license for one year (can be reduced to 90 days)¹⁸

Additional offenses incur more stringent penalties.

ADDITIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

A DWI involving an open container of alcohol incurs a minimum jail sentence of six days.¹⁹

A driver of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) who has been found to have a BAC of at least 0.04% will be disqualified from operating a vehicle of this nature for one year (first offense).²⁰

Most of the penalties listed on this page refer to cases where a driver has been found to have a BAC of 0.08% or more and was not involved in an incident where another party was injured. If the driver harmed or killed another person due to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, or if they have a BAC of 0.15% or more at the time of testing, then heightened penalties will apply, which may include huge fines and lengthy prison sentences.

Injured by a Drunk Driver? Contact Our Houston, TX Vehicle Accident Law Firm Today!

If you’ve been seriously injured due to the recklessness of a drunk driver, you can contact a car accident lawyer at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., for a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation. Our team of car crash lawyers has years of experience with helping victims of drunk driving accidents in Houston, Texas and neighboring communities. You pay nothing unless you win!

Sources

1. https://www.madd.org/statistics/
2. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
3. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
4. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
6. https://www.madd.org/statistics/
7. https://www.madd.org/statistics/
8. https://www.madd.org/statistics/
9. https://www.madd.org/statistics/
10. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pdf/statecosts/tx-2015costofcrashdeaths-a.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html

Blind spots have been responsible for a large percentage of vehicle accidents, some of which were fatal. Unfortunately, all drivers are at risk of becoming involved in this type of accident, simply because no vehicle is without its blind spots. However, by understanding what a blind spot is and how to properly check them, your risk can be drastically reduced.

What Is a Blind Spot?

A car blind spot is the area of a vehicle that prohibits drivers from using their rear or side mirrors to see the vehicles around them. A vehicle has several blind spots, each which pose a great disadvantage to the driver.

Not only do blind spots completely hide objects and vehicles from the driver’s view, but they also force drivers to divert their vision from the road in order to confirm the presence of other vehicles, which can lead to accidents.

Modern Vehicles and Blind Spot Detection

Today’s technology in vehicles has served to dramatically increase the safety of drivers and their passengers. Blind spot detection systems will alert you whenever your vehicle gets too close to an object or another vehicle.

However, as useful as these detection systems may be, they should not be solely relied on. It is still highly recommended that drivers always look to confirm what their onboard detection system is telling them.

Blind Spots and Vehicle Size

Blind spots are present in all vehicles. However, in larger vehicles like trucks, the size of their blind spots will be larger as well. For vehicles like tractor-trailers, their blind spots can make entire groups of vehicles impossible to see.

High vehicles like tractors, on the other hand, have blind spots located below them. This makes it impossible for the driver to see any vehicle located in this area.

For cars, there are two well-known blind spots, which are located on either side of the vehicle, just behind the driver. However, there are also an additional three blind spots on cars that can be dangerous.

Pillars

A car’s pillars are blind spots as well. There are three pillars to be aware of:

The A-pillars are located on the sides of the windshield, and the problem with these is that they have become wider due to more modern designs. Although these designs are intended to protect those inside, improve gas mileage, and provide better protection against crashes, the significant reduction in visibility is a concern.

The B-pillars, located behind the front doors on a vehicle are another blind spot which can cause a driver not to see the vehicles, objects, or people around them. Of course, because the B-pillar is an integral part of a vehicle’s structure, the only option is to learn how to navigate around it.

The sides of the rear window on a car are supported by C-pillars, which also present blind spots for drivers. Just as with the B- and A-pillars, C-pillars can be dealt with when one understands how to navigate around them.

Situations That Can Cause Blind Spot Accidents

There are many ways in which your vehicle’s blind spots can block your view and cause an accident.

Even in cars with blind spot detection systems, reversing can definitely cause visibility issues. Many advise that you conduct a ‘circle check’ or get out and walk around your vehicle to confirm the presence or absence of obstacles before continuing to reverse.

Making a left-hand turn across a lane of oncoming traffic can mean your view is blocked by the A-pillar on your vehicle. Here, it is important to direct your view around this blind spot as frequently as possible before making your turn.

The same is true when you are changing lanes. Be aware of the traffic around you and beside you before you signal and move your vehicle. You will also want to double-check your blind spots prior to changing lanes.

When at an intersection or crosswalk, objects like bus shelters, trees, and even road signs can block your view of pedestrians and other cars. As you slow down and approach an intersection or crosswalk, you will need to be aware of the goings-on around you using proper mirror alignment.

Dealing with Blind Spots

Being aware of your vehicle’s blind spots can go a long way to helping you avoid an accident. However, it’s also important to learn the proper technique when trying to see around them, as well as how to maneuver correctly in traffic.

For example, merging onto highways and changing lanes, as well as signs and trees at intersections and reversing can all make other vehicles and pedestrians difficult to see, resulting in alarming blind spot accident statistics. This requires both the awareness of where blind spots are located, as well as proper adjustment of mirrors and the right technique for looking beyond them.

Mirror Adjustment

Many drivers adjust their side view mirrors in such a way as to direct them to show the rear of the vehicle. However, this is incorrect. Instead, drivers should consider adjusting their side mirrors away from the rear sides of the vehicle so that a wider view around the vehicle can be obtained.

Head Turn

Also known as a “shoulder check,” drivers who are merging onto a highway or changing lanes will want to conduct a visual check after signaling. The goal is to check blind spots without having to take their eyes off the road.

The head turn or shoulder check involves only a slight turn of the head before using peripheral vision to ensure that blind spots are clear. During the check, the driver’s shoulders should not leave the seat, nor should their head turn any more than 45 degrees.

Using the Rear and Side View Mirrors

Another way to enhance the view when changing lanes or merging onto highways is to incorporate the rearview mirror into the shoulder check process. This can be done by glancing in the rearview and side view mirrors right before the shoulder check. In learning to “track” the vehicles around you in this way, blind spots can be eliminated.

Convertible Cars and Blind Spots

Although the top being down on a convertible vehicle allows for a completely unobstructed view, this changes completely when the top is up. The design of convertible vehicles makes it necessary to ensure that you have the widest possible view out your rear window.

That being said, your side mirrors need to be adjusted correctly using the technique above, but with an even greater tilt than used with hardtop vehicles. The side mirrors will need to be adjusted far enough so that you are able to see the vehicles in the adjacent lane until they pass you on the side.

Blind Spot Accident Liability

Who is at fault when a blind spot accident occurs? It really depends on who is the negligent party. For instance, if you became involved in a blind spot accident as the result of being hit by another car, it is that driver’s negligence which is likely to place them at fault, according to car accident attorneys.

All drivers, including yourself, have the responsibility to not hit the other vehicles that share the road. Laws are in place to protect drivers from being run into, whether due to a blind spot or due to other circumstances.

What to Do Following a Blind Spot Accident

The first thing to do following a blind spot or another type of vehicle accident is to call the police and get a report. This will ensure that you have a tangible record of the accident. It’s also a good idea to make notes about what happened during the accident.

You can also check if there were any witnesses from whom you may be able to get a statement. If there are, you will want to get their contact information.

You’ll also want to seek medical attention, even if there was no need to call an ambulance at the scene. Seeking medical attention is vital, as you may be injured without knowing it, which can be life-threatening in the days following the accident.

Your final step will be to contact an auto accident attorney. Why? Because you will need assistance with getting financial reimbursement for the cost of your vehicle repair or purchase of a new vehicle, as well as for any lost wages as the result of injury, not to mention your medical bills.

The Right Lawyer for Your Blind Spot Accident Case

Finding the right attorney to handle your case is absolutely crucial. They must be experienced in dealing with blind spot and other types of car accidents, as well as knowledgeable in determining the right amount of compensation you will need.

Car accident cases can be complex, and it’s important that you have an experienced and thorough car accident lawyer to represent you and ensure that you receive a fair settlement. The award-winning attorneys at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims. Discover how we can get you the compensation you deserve; claim your free consultation today by calling (713) 364-0723.