Many people back out of driveways without another thought because it is like second nature to them. Perhaps, as an individual is backing out of a driveway, they take this time to check their last text messages, adjust their GPS, fiddle with the radio, or otherwise find themselves caught up in the midst of distractions. These distractions aren’t even a conscious consideration to many people as they make the trek out of their driveways and onto the open roads. Little do they know that becoming distracted in such a place as their own driveway can lead to serious, and even fatal, results.
Who Falls Victim to These Accidents?
Because driveways tend to be most prevalent in residential areas, it also means that many people might be coming and going in these areas and fall victim to a driveway backing accident. For instance, many children tend to play in these neighborhoods. Children tend to be extremely preoccupied with many other things and might not look out for drivers who are attempting to back out of their driveways. This is why it is extremely vital for drivers to always be on the lookout for children, who are most vulnerable to serious accidents for these reasons.
Pedestrians and bicyclists, who are also very vulnerable to accidents because they have few protections from harm, could also be present in these neighborhoods. It could lead to fatal results if either a pedestrian or a bicyclist was struck by a vehicle that was backing out of a driveway and operated by a driver who was not paying attention at the time. These parties might do a good job remaining unseen, which means that drivers must take extra care to ensure that they do not strike somebody without warning.
Many Driveway Accidents Can Be Prevented
Like other types of car accidents, those that occur in driveways can be prevented just as easily when certain steps are taken. For instance, drivers should always give themselves enough time to get from one place to another so that they do not have to rush to their destination, which will only take their focus from the roads and put others in danger. It is also imperative for a driver to look at every one of their surroundings before they start to back out of a driveway. A child or a pet could be missed in the blink of an eye, especially because they might not be looking for your vehicle. This is why it is important to look for them.
Seeking Help with Your Case
Perhaps you have received injuries in a car accident case in West Virginia involving somebody backing out of a driveway. Our experienced attorneys at Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner have handled a wide variety of accident cases involving serious injuries and would like to stand by your side when you need us most. Please do not hesitate to contact us to find out how we can assist you today at (304) 713-2014.
