Many drivers have heard the saying, “most car accidents happen close to home.” However, is this really true? While exact numbers may vary, there is some truth to the statement. Many crashes in North Carolina occur on everyday routes near neighborhoods and other residential areas. These everyday routes are where people spend most of their time driving.
For drivers like you, understanding where accidents occur most frequently can help you stay safer on the road. You can protect your legal rights more effectively when you know the law and related statistics.
Causes and statistics
Organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conduct research studies on traffic accidents. Some studies suggest that a little over half of all vehicle crashes occur within five miles of a driver’s home. “Examining why this trend occurs can help you stay safer on familiar roads.
Even careful drivers may let their guard down. Driving familiar routes daily continuously exposes you to risk, making you more prone to accidents on that route. You may become more complacent and distracted on familiar routes because your brain sees them as safe.
Residential neighborhoods also have more safety hazards than you may realize. You can easily overlook unique dangers such as children playing, more pedestrians and frequent stop signs.
Specific considerations in North Carolina
North Carolina has some of the strictest fault systems in the entire country. The state follows the contributory negligence rule to identify who is at fault in an accident. Under this system, even a 1% fault assignment bars you from recovering damages.
Accidents near the home often involve “autopilot” driving or distracted driving. This can make it easier for insurers to argue that you carry responsibility, even if the other driver violated traffic laws. You should document the scene thoroughly, even if the crash seems minor and occurred just down the street.
Your protections
By staying vigilant on familiar roads and understanding North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws, you can better protect yourself. If you become involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to document the scene. Seek an experienced legal representative to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.