Savannah Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Blind Spot Accident Risks

While attentive drivers might be aware of vehicles and potential road hazards in the vicinity, many motorists fail to adequately check their blind spots before executing turns or changing lane.  A blind sport refers to an area of the roadway that is not visible to a driver when using mirrors.  As experienced Savannah car accident lawyers, we have successfully represented many people injured in blind spot crashes.  When vehicles travel in your blind spot, the risk of a collision increases.  Frequently, blind spots are located over a passenger car driver’s right and left shoulder where pillars connect the body of the vehicle to the roof.  The positioning of cargo and passengers can also create blind spots.

Blind spot crashes occur most often when drivers execute lane changes without turning their head to confirm it is safe.  The failure to check a vehicle blind spot can cause many types of crashes that include:

• Car vs. Tractor-Trailer
• Sideswipe Collisions
• Fixed Object Crashes
•  Car vs. Motorcycle
•  Car vs. Pedestrian
•  Vehicle Rollovers
• Cyclist vs. Car

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that drivers are involved in approximately. 800,000 accidents related to blind spots per year.  When drivers fail to check their blind spot when changing lanes, they may collide with the vehicle in the adjacent lane or force the other driver off the road.  Sometimes the failure to check blind spots can even start a chain reaction accident that cause a multi-car pileup.

Because of the danger associated with vehicle blind spots, vehicle manufacturers are developing new technologies designed to reduce these types of collisions.  These innovations range from high-tech radar and camera defection technology to low-tech options that involve more effective rear-view mirrors.

Active blind spot monitoring involves a high-tech approach which typically entails mounting an electronic detection device on the sides of the vehicle.    These monitoring devices are often mounted near a vehicle’s external rear view mirrors or the rear bumper.  The monitors send electronic electromagnetic waves or generate computer images with a digital video system that are analyzed.  When these monitoring devices identify a vehicle that is too close, the system will typically warn a driver by producing an audible signal or flashing light in the driver’s peripheral vision.  Some systems even take control of the vehicle and make steering or braking adjustments to avoid an impending collision.

Another approach taken by vehicle manufacturers to reduce the risk of blind spot accidents involves use of passive blind spot monitoring.  These systems involve use of a more sophisticated mirror, such as a convex mirror in the corner of a normal rear view mirror that allows the driver to see objects in a blind spot.  While many auto parts stores sell aftermarket mirrors for this purpose, auto safety experts generally warn against self-installation because precise positioning is essential to the mirror’s effectiveness.

While these improvements in vehicle safety might reduce the number of blind spot crashes, careless and inattentive drivers that forget to check their blind spots before changing lanes or turning will continue to cause traffic collisions.  This risk can be even higher for teen drivers who might be more inclined to rely on their mirrors because they have less experience behind the wheel.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case

If you or a close family member is injured in a traffic accident, our experienced Savannah car accident lawyers might be able to help.  Montlick and Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.  No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333).  You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat. 

Sources:

 http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/cars-making-blind-spot-less-dangerous.htm