When you are driving, it often requires your full attention and then some to keep from becoming distracted. Often, you may encounter hazards that could potentially be dangerous if you are not prepared for them. At Russell Ireland Law Group, LLC, we have helped many people in Kentucky who are the victims of car accidents.
Distractions can come in many forms including noisy passengers, texting, multitasking and sudden hazards that appear in the road. Animals, for example, can be a road hazard that if you encounter, could send you into a panic. One part of you is beginning to feel guilty for endangering the innocent animal’s life while the other part of you may be scrambling to figure out how to avoid hitting the animal without hitting other motorists.
According to safebee.com, nearly 200 people are victims of car accidents each year where an animal is involved. Statistics also show that 1 to 2 million car accidents happen each year when people encounter animals in the road. So, if this happens to you, flash your lights in the direction of the animal. Doing this can sometimes startle the animal and encourage it to dash out of your way. If you have time to react, slow down and go around the animal. Another tip is to be aware of whether or not there is more animals. If you spot one animal, do not automatically assume that it was the only one that will be crossing the road in case more of its family is also nearby.
Being familiar with how to react if you notice an animal standing in the middle of the road may help you to remain calm if you find yourself in a predicament. For more information about car accidents, visit our web page.