Busy highways pose a lot of dangers for drivers commuting every day in heavy traffic, but it may surprise you to learn that many crashes also happen on familiar roads where Harrisburg drivers least expect them.
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Is Driving Near Your Home More Dangerous Than Highway Driving in Harrisburg?
It would be a stretch to say that driving locally is more dangerous than highway driving. But familiar roads do pose an increased crash risk when drivers zone out on auto pilot or get too relaxed on their way home. Here are some reasons why that happens:
Relaxing After Getting off a Highway or Other Busy Road
Driving on highway roads can be stressful, especially when traffic is heavier, the weather is bad, or you are tired after a long work day. When you get closer to home, that sigh of relief from getting off the highway can make you relax too much. The false sense of security you feel on a well-known route can cause you to miss unexpected crash risks, like people darting out into the road, or a cyclist whizzing past you. You may even miss another driver failing to stop.
Zoning Out on Auto Pilot and Missing Local Crash Risks
Local neighborhoods in Harrisburg and elsewhere have unique challenges you don’t deal with on on highways.
- Drivers failing to yield at a stop sign or traffic signal
- Residential streets with limited visibility, especially at night
- Pedestrians darting out from between parked cars
- Limited visibility around tight corners on neighborhood streets
More Teen Drivers, Kids Playing, and Pets Running into the Street
Residential areas may have more inexperienced teen drivers driving through them, especially if you pass any schools on your way home. Staying focused on the road in these and other areas is critical. The closer you get to home, the more likely there are to be children playing near sidewalks, pets running into roadways, teen cyclists testing out bike tricks on the road, and pedestrians crossing unexpectedly from between parked cars.
No matter where you are driving, it is vital to stay focused and alert. When you continue to scan the road for potential hazards, you can react faster if something unexpected happens. It goes without saying that continuing to follow traffic laws also does a lot to help prevent a crash.
How Does Distracted Driving Increase Near-Home Car Crashes in Pennsylvania?
Distracted driving is a problem no matter where you are traveling, but closer to home, things can go wrong very quickly. Drivers behind the wheel should always be focused on the road, not on texting or doing other personal tasks that can wait until they get home.
Drivers Feel More Comfortable Texting or Making Phone Calls Close to Home
Drivers frequently make phone calls and send text messages on familiar routes they travel daily. But even if you are driving locally and there appears to be no one around, texting could cause you to hit a pedestrian you didn’t see or drift out of your lane and into a parked car or utility pole.
Multi-Tasking Is Surprisingly Common Close to Home
Multi-tasking behind the wheel is another dangerous distraction that people engage in, including as they approach their home. Drivers start gathering their belongings, turn off their GPS settings or grab something out of the back seat. Similarly, when setting off, a driver may pull out while searching for an address on their GPS or look for a song to play. These actions increase the risk of hitting a child or neighbor near your home.
Drivers Think Short Trips Are Safer
Drivers may think short trips are safer because they are not on the road as long, but this is another situation where people get too relaxed and distracted behind the wheel. They may get distracted by a text or phone call, think about what they have to pick up at the store, or be thinking about an argument at home or at work that is bothering them. Even if the trip is short and your eyes are on the wheel, you need to stay mentally engaged to avoid missing a road hazard.
How You Can Prevent Car Crashes Near Your Home
Simple safety measures significantly reduce your risk of close-to-home crashes in residential areas. When you maintain focus and follow basic safety protocols you protect yourself and your neighbors.
- Stay Focused: Eliminate distractions even on familiar streets you drive every day.
- Reduce Speed: Lower your speed in neighborhood areas where children and pedestrians are present.
- Watch for Hazards: Always remainalert for children and pets near driveways and sidewalks – check and check again.
- Drive Defensively: Stay alert for unpredictable actions from other drivers who may also feel overly relaxed on local roads.
- Use Seat Belts: Buckle up every passenger for every trip, regardless of distance traveled.
- Avoid Fatigue: Take breaks from driving when you feel tired, especially during busy commute times.
- Watch for Parked Cars: Watch for opening car doors and people stepping out from parked vehicles on Harrisburg streets.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Maintain your vehicle properly for short trips to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Injured in a Crash Near Home? Contact Schmidt Kramer for Legal Help
Car crashes close to your home in Harrisburg can leave you injured and facing unexpected financial pressures and a long physical recovery.
At Schmidt Kramer, we don’t believe you should have to pay for damages or hospital costs caused by a crash that was another driver’s fault. You can count on our legal team to work hard to protect your legal rights and get you the money you need.
Not sure if you have a case? We offer a free, no-risk case review to hear your side of the story, answer your questions and determine how we can help. When we represent you, there are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs to pay.
Call our experienced lawyers today. (717) 727-1403