MYRTLE BEACH CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

According to Title 56 Article 17 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, drivers must yield the right of way to others when necessary. Various scenarios require motorists, pedestrians, and other individuals to wait their turn and allow someone else to proceed ahead of them.

For example, if someone approaches an intersection at a green light to make a left-hand turn, they must slow down or stop first to allow oncoming drivers traveling straight to pass. If the turning motorist chooses to proceed without checking for oncoming cars, they could end up in the path of someone already in the middle of the intersection.

Drugs and alcohol can significantly impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Both cause various symptoms that prevent a driver from focusing on the task at hand and reacting appropriately to an emergency.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to a slower reaction time, poor decision-making skills, and loss of coordination. If someone chooses to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs, they likely won’t notice a hazard in the road or traffic stopped ahead.

Speeding doesn’t only refer to a driver exceeding the speed limit. It can also involve someone driving too fast for conditions. Upon approaching a defective roadway or adverse weather, drivers should slow down and proceed with caution. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand the dangers of speeding.

It’s much more challenging to have total control of a vehicle while traveling at high speeds. If someone travels above the speed limit during heavy rain, they could hydroplane and crash into a nearby car, ditch, or telephone pole. Even if driving conditions are normal, a motorist might not have the necessary reaction time to avoid a collision if the driver ahead stops suddenly.

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Manufacturing companies should follow specific quality and safety standards while manufacturing car parts. If errors occur during the manufacturing process, defective parts can end up on the market.

A vehicle containing a defective part or system doesn’t function as intended. For example, if someone operates a car with a defective braking system, the brakes could fail, causing the driver to crash into a stopped vehicle in front of them.

Fatigue might not seem that dangerous, but it can cause the same symptoms as driving under the influence. Reduced motor skills, slowed reaction time, and poor judgment are just a few examples of the impairments a driver can face if they operate a car despite feeling tired. Many people get behind the wheel after a long day of work or lack of sleep. It’s a common problem that can lead to catastrophic accidents. Fatigue can impair physical and mental abilities and prevent people from focusing on the task at hand.

Tailgating occurs when a driver follows another person’s vehicle too closely. It’s reckless behavior that places the occupants of another car at risk of serious harm. If the driver in front needs to slow down or stop without warning, the motorist following them won’t have enough time to slam on their brakes and avoid colliding with the back of the vehicle.

Everyone should know the stopping distance necessary based on the speed they’re driving and leave enough space between their car and the car in front of them. “Stopping distance” is the distance it takes for a driver to notice a perceived danger and stop their vehicle. For example, if someone travels at 50 miles per hour, they will require 174 feet to bring their car to a complete stop.

Distractions are everywhere. Whether a driver uses their cell phone, reaches for something in the back seat, or engages in acts of road rage, they’re not focusing on the task of driving. Distracted driving pulls attention from operating the vehicle to something else entirely.

Texting while driving is one of the most common distractions drivers face. Looking down to read or send a text is similar to driving with your eyes closed. Even if a motorist looks down for only a few seconds, it’s enough time for the scenery ahead to change. A pedestrian could enter a crosswalk, or a stoplight could turn red. Without paying attention, the driver can’t see what they’re approaching and stop.

Blind spots are areas on both sides of a car a driver can’t see when looking in their side view or rearview mirror. Motorists should always look over their shoulders and check these areas thoroughly before changing lanes, merging, or turning.

Although looking for nearby cars before maneuvering might seem obvious, many motorists don’t pay attention to what they’re doing. If a driver merges without checking their blind spot first, they could sideswipe a vehicle already in the lane.