There are times when stopping on the side of a busy highway or interstate is unavoidable. Sometimes things just happen and there is no way to stop or avoid it. Flat tires, emergency phone calls, and insects in the car can cause a driver to pull over immediately. However, doing so is very dangerous and can also be deadly.
Vehicles whizzing along a busy road are not able to see a car parked, stalled or pulled over on the side of the road very well. The speed and distraction of the road put any parked car at a big disadvantage. Distracted drivers, whether texting, playing music or drowsy, can easily veer off the road and into a parked car, hitting it head on or side swiping it. This practice is especially dangerous at night when the roads are dark and illuminated only by headlights and towering Halcion lights.
Running out of gas and breakdowns occur and are often unavoidable. A flat tire or blown motor takes you off the road in a hurry. Short of instances like this, all stops should be at a rest stop or gas station where a driver can find assistance, supplies, information and shelter.
If it’s impossible to make a rest stop or gas station, there are a few tips to keep in mind for pulling over on the side of a busy road.
1. Pull over as far as you can. Pull into dirt, mud, next to a steep hill- whatever it takes to get you as far off the road and out of danger as possible. It is better to have a dirty or even scratched car than a demolished car and perhaps injuries. Stay with your car. Don’t leave or exit the vehicle unless it is dangerous to do so.
2. Be proactive. Be aware of dangerous circumstances and take action to avoid them. Put on your hazard lights. Use road flares. Put a sign in the rear window and call for assistance immediately. Call police, EMS, a tow service or friend who can help you and get you off the roadside.
3. Perform scheduled maintenance. Check your oil regularly. Check your gas gauge, tire condition and water levels. Take every precaution to make sure that if you are going on a busy road you will make it to the other side without having to pull over.
All manner of accidents can happen when you are parked on the side of the road. Rear-enders, T-bones, sideswiping and head on collisions are all possible. One of the most important things to remember in one of these types of accidents is to document all of the precautions used when the driver was forced to pull over. Were flares used? How far was the vehicle pulled over? Everything, even minute details, can make a big difference when it comes to accident claims.
These types of accidents aren’t always cut-and-dry either. They often have extenuating circumstances that make trial difficult which is why those minute details of the accident scene and circumstances mean so very much later. Only an experienced attorney can maneuver the red tape and complicated legal processes that ensue in a car accident claim. Not only that, but there are many time deadlines and statutes of limitations in these types of claims.
Pulling over on the side of the road is dangerous, deadly and should be avoided at all costs.
Since unavoidable circumstances sometimes occur it is best to act proactively and attempt to avoid possible causes for roadside pull overs and be prepared should they happen.
If you were unfortunate enough to have car trouble and ended up on the side of the road and in an accident, you will need competent, knowledgeable, experienced legal help. Moseley Collins is a dedicated Christian attorney committed to bringing his clients a fair compensatory settlement.