All holiday seasons generate a significant uptick in traffic on North Carolina highways. However, the three major holidays during the vacation season from May until September are without a doubt the most deadly for motorists. Memorial Day has become an unofficial beginning to summer that extends through Independence Day to Labor Day. And, statistics compiled by the NHTSA reflect the increase of accidents and fatalities. Here are a few defensive driving tips for summertime travelers to remember.
Always observe the speed limit
Although it can be difficult to do during intense driving situations due to the flow of traffic, it is always best to maintain the speed limit or just below while in transit. Speeding indeed causes many motor vehicle accidents, and speed limits are in place for specific safety reasons along certain sections of highway.
Always use indicator signals
One of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can make is negotiating traffic without using signal indicators. It is important to always use signal indicators whenever changing lanes as well as turning at an intersection. Failure to use signal indicators is a factor in many North Carolina auto accidents, and proof of this failure can result in fault assignment for any driver in an accident.
Maintain additional distance between vehicles
Rear-end accidents are easily some of the most common and serious car accidents, and they often happen because a trailing driver is too close to the frontal vehicle. Maintaining considerable extra distance from other vehicles is always a positive practice for defensive drivers.
It is also important to remember that fault is central to all North Carolina car crashes, and even 1% personal fault can bar a driver from being compensated for accident injuries per the state contributory negligence law. Always follow all rules and regulations of the road to avoid even a minimal assignment of fault in an accident.