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Common Causes of Car Accidents in The Winter and How to Stay Safe on The Road in Anchorage

Law Office Of Jason Skala April 8, 2022

Drivers have the option to mitigate risks by learning about the most common causes of car accidents that could possibly cause injuries or property damage. An auto collision can happen very quickly and completely change the lives of everyone involved. Victims in car accidents can experience long-lasting trauma and serious life changes that may involve disabilities or even the death of a loved one. Drivers must obey traffic laws in order to stay safe and obey the law. If they fail to do so, they could face penalties and jail time, as well as cause injuries or worse to themselves and others. The surviving victims of these accidents are often able to file personal injury lawsuits with an Anchorage personal injury lawyer for financial compensation.

Top Causes of Car Accidents

The winter months in Alaska often present harsh and dangerous driving conditions that require extra care and attention from drivers. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

Distracted Driving: The most common form of distracted driving is currently texting and driving. Looking down at your phone for five seconds while driving 55 miles per hour is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. The danger of committing an act like this while operating a motor vehicle is unprecedented. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 3,000 people lose their life because of distracted drivers in the US each year. More accidents are beginning to happen because some drivers are scrolling social media while behind the wheel. This has become a serious issue that has caused a spike in injuries and fatalities on the roadways in Anchorage and across the US.

Drivers can avoid accidents and keep themselves and others safe by choosing to check their texts and social media accounts while they are not driving. If it is an emergency, you should pull over somewhere safe.

Intoxicated Driving: Driving while under the influence causes a large number of car accidents each year in Alaska. Intoxicated drivers who cause accidents that injure others are at risk for serious criminal charges. If an intoxicated driver causes the death of another person, they will probably face jail time. The deceased victim’s family may also want to file a lawsuit with an Anchorage wrongful death attorney against the responsible driver for financial compensation.

Drivers can keep themselves and others safe by choosing to stay sober if they have to drive, or choosing not to drive if they aren’t sober. Drinking and driving are some of the most selfish actions a person can make and they can end your life.

Fatigued Driving: Fatigued driving often plagues commercial drivers more than any other type of driver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration applies strict guidelines to reduce the potential for fatigued driving. Commercial drivers are required by law to take time to rest between driving stretches of 12 hours. They must also record their driving hours in a log to be reviewed to ensure that they are operating safely.

Regular drivers are also at risk for fatigued driving and should avoid it at all costs. Fatigued driving is similar to drunk driving, as your judgment can become impaired as well as your perception and vision.

Anchorage Personal Injury Attorney

The Personal Injury Law Office of Jason Skala in Anchorage has been successfully helping injured accident victims and their families recover just financial compensation for close to a decade. Jason Skala is an experienced and reputable personal injury attorney who will work tirelessly in order to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Call our law office in order to be connected with a skilled attorney in Anchorage.