Car accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, but did you know that they’re more common close to home? One of the reasons for this is because people become more relaxed as they approach home, so they make mistakes and don’t pay as much attention as they should. They might even speed up, hoping that they’ll get home sooner.
Driving close to home leads to trouble, because driving in familiar places results in drivers using muscle memory and not active driving skills. You might, for example, start thinking about the things you need to do when you get home or start fiddling with your radio instead of paying attention to the road.
What can you do to avoid a crash close to home?
Although you may be tempted to turn up the radio, speed up a little and get home quickly, it’s best if you stay alert and stay strapped in. Use your seat belt, so that if someone hits you, you’ll still stay seated. Stay alert. There are people who may be pulling out of driveways, kids who might be playing near or on the roads and other hazards to watch out for.
It can be dangerous driving close to home because of the familiarity, but familiarity is no excuse for putting lives in danger. If you are involved in an accident as a result of someone else not paying attention or even dozing off close to home, remember that you can hold them liable for their actions. A personal injury claim can help you get the compensation you need.