The Dangers Of Cut-Through Driving In Residential Neighborhoods
Injured in an Accident While Driving in a Neighborhood?
Our San Jose Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You with Your Legal Claim
Motor vehicles that cut-through residential neighborhoods to avoid highly congested roads have been a continuous issue in California. Main roads often consist of high traffic, causing longer commutes to work, school, or home.
Due to the congested highways in California, drivers often take alternate routes through neighborhoods to avoid traffic. While taking a less populated route may seem like a better option, it can cause higher traffic on narrow roadways and increase the chance of auto accidents.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a direct result of an automobile accident, our San Jose car accident lawyers at Dunnion Law can help you seek compensation for any damages and injuries you endured.
With apps like Waze continuing to gear traffic to residential neighborhoods, we are aware that drivers use shortcuts to save time. However, it can be a dangerous alternative that leads to more accidents in residential areas.
Waze is a commonly known community navigation app that offers drivers real-time traffic information. Drivers work together by sharing traffic and road conditions to help each other arrive at their destinations sooner.
Waze allows drivers to recommend alternative routes to avoid traffic on California’s main roads, however, this can cause traffic to increase in residential neighborhoods.
The Potential Dangers Residents Face from Cut-Through Drivers
Residential roads typically have a low volume of traffic and reduced speeds to help keep residents safe. However, when drivers take alternate routes that cut-through residential neighborhoods, it creates dangerous conditions for residents. Numerous complaints have been placed from locals who reside in these neighborhoods such as high speeds, congestion, an increase in noise, and a lack of safety.
Higher Speeds – Neighborhoods have low-speed limits, however, drivers who cut-through residential neighborhoods tend to ignore the set speed limit, which can result in serious injuries.
Congestion – Neighborhoods often consist of narrow roads that are not intended for high volume traffic.
Greater noise – When traffic increases in neighborhoods, the noise will also increase since more vehicles are passing through. This can disrupt the lives of people who reside there.
Lack Of Safety – The increase in traffic and high speeds creates a dangerous environment for residents who may be walking around their neighborhood or checking their mail.
Ways to Keep Children Safe Despite Increased Traffic
Residential neighborhoods are meant to be safe for children, yet the increase in traffic presents many dangers for children. USA Today reported, “U.S. pedestrian deaths totaled nearly 6,000 in 2017 for the second straight year amid mounting signs that walkers and drivers are dangerously distracted, according to a new study.” Traffic will likely continue to be an issue, so it’s vital to inform children about the ways they can stay safe despite high traffic in their neighborhoods.
- Use sidewalks if possible or stay close to the side of the road.
- Never assume a vehicle will stop.
- Pay attention at all times while walking on sidewalks.
- Never wear headphones, so you can hear your surroundings.
Distracted Driving Increases Due to Lower Traffic Volume
Distracted driving is a common cause of automobile accidents. When drivers cut-through neighborhoods, they may assume that they can pay less attention to the roads and safety since there tends to be lower traffic volume and speed limits than on highways. This mindset often leads to distracted driving.
Distracted driving encompasses the following:
- Eating and drinking
- Applying makeup
- Texting
- Adjusting the radio station
- Talking on the phone
- Daydreaming
Driving distracted can cause serious injuries and, in some cases, result in death. Although traffic appears to be less in residential neighborhoods, safety should always be your top priority anytime you’re operating a motor vehicle. If you were involved in a car crash in California due to a distracted driver, it’s imperative you protect your legal rights.
How to Avoid Cut-Through Driving During High Traffic Volume
Although it may appear more convenient to cut-through a residential neighborhood, it’s essential to remember the safety of those who reside in these neighborhoods. Below are several tips to help you safely navigate the highways when traffic is heavy and ensure the safety of local residents:
Check traffic reports – Traffic reports can inform you about delays and alternative intersections. It’s in your best interest to check traffic reports to help with your commute.
Leave early – If traffic is heavy, leave earlier to give yourself adequate time to make it safely to your destination. When you leave early, it can alleviate the stress of making it to your destination on time.
Take alternative highways – If feasible, take an intersection that has less traffic to reduce your commute time. In some cases, taking an exit can reduce driving time by avoiding some of the heavier traffic on the major intersections.
Implementing these tips can help reduce auto accidents in residential neighborhoods. However, even if you follow these tips, some drivers will still drive through neighborhoods to avoid traffic. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a collision through no fault of your own, you should speak with an attorney about your legal options.
Protecting Your Rights
Protecting your rights is essential if you have been injured in an accident. If you suffered an injury as a result of a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation. However, it’s in your best interest to seek legal advice about your claim.
Compensation can cover medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, and lost wages. However, in California, you only have two years after the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. For this reason, it’s vital to file your claim immediately following the accident to increase your chances of receiving compensation.
Dunnion Law Can Assist You Through Your Legal Claim
At Dunnion Law, we believe our clients should receive reliable legal services. We know the difficulties surrounding car accident cases, such as dealing with a low settlement offer from an insurance company. However, when you have Dunnion Law on your side, we will fight to ensure you receive every penny you deserve for the damages and injuries you suffered. With our years of experience and legal knowledge, you can trust your case is in good hands with our San Jose car accident lawyers.
If you’re unsure if your case is worth pursuing, allow our team to review the details and see what legal options are available.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm caused by other drivers’ negligent actions, our San Jose car accident lawyers can help. Call our office today at (831) 373-8035 or fill out our free consultation form. Our team is ready to fight for your rights.