Buffalo, New York State’s second-largest city, is home to thousands of drivers from all walks of life. It has a population of close to 270,000. You may be one of Buffalo’s many drivers, and you might have been in Buffalo car accidents on your way to work.
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The Cost of Car Accidents in Buffalo
Motor vehicle traffic injury is a serious problem for Buffalo and surrounding Erie County. They are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and also cause pain and suffering.
Car accidents not only kill people but also cause economic damage. The New York Department of Health reports that crashes on Erie County roads resulted in $25.9 million in hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) charges.
The main underlying causes of car accidents in Buffalo are …
DISTRACTED DRIVING IN BUFFALO
Distracted driving, a 21st-century term that refers to drivers who use their cars while texting or talking on cell phones, is a term that describes distracted drivers. Distracted driving can also be caused by other distractions such as checking their GPS, changing music, eating, and talking to passengers.
Distracted driving can result in you being ticketed in Buffalo or elsewhere in NY. You could also be fined and get points added to your driver’s license.
DISTRACTED DRIVING STATISTICS
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports this distracted driving:
Distracted drivers were responsible for 3092 deaths in 2010. In 2015, the number increased to 34777.
The highest number of distracted driving deaths is in those under the age of 20.
Research has shown that texting or reading while driving can cause drivers to lose their focus for up to five seconds. If they drive at 55 mph, they could drive 100 yards (the length of a football field) in that time.
BREAKING A BAD HAT
Buffalo residents can help reduce distracted driving accidents by not using their cell phones while driving. Teenagers need to be reminded by their parents not to text while driving. They should also explain the consequences if they are caught by police or cause a serious accident.
Misuse of Roadway Shoulders
Not only does driving on the shoulder cause resentment among those who follow New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Laws, but it also puts drivers in unnecessary danger.
Some risks associated with driving on the shoulder include:
- Getting Trapped – While motorists may think they are smart to avoid traffic, many don’t realize that it angers other drivers. This reduces the likelihood that anyone will allow the motorist to get back in the traffic lane. This can also fuel road rage among those waiting their turn.
- Hitting Pedestrians – Pedestrian accidents accounted for 17% of all traffic deaths in 2019. Cars hitting pedestrians are a common cause of accidents. These accidents generally occur when a speeding driver does not see a pedestrian crossing the road.
- Sideswiping a Median – It is easy to overlook obstructions that are not present in normal traffic lanes, such as cones, medians, or dividers. To avoid hitting an obstacle, the driver could swerve into another vehicle.
- Restricting Emergency Vehicles – The shoulder was specifically designed for emergency vehicles and emergencies. A blocked shoulder passage that hinders an emergency vehicle can prevent a victim receiving critical medical care.
- Collisions – Unlawful drivers might cut off cars that are already in the shoulder lane and cause a rear-end accident.
Protecting yourself from Shoulder-Related Incidents
Remember that safety is more important than speeding ahead in traffic. Even if you drive cautiously and follow traffic laws, it may not be enough to protect you from bad decisions made by others. Negligent drivers often cause irreparable injuries to innocent motorists. These safety tips are crucial for avoiding shoulder-related injuries:
- If another car is on the shoulder, move to the next lane.
- Allow vehicles that are driving on the shoulder to merge into the traffic lane.
- If you are in an emergency, don’t stop at the shoulder.
- If you have a flat tire, try to drive to the closest exit.
- If pulled over, turn on your car’s hazards lights.
- Make sure your car is on the road shoulder and don’t leave any part sticking out in traffic lanes.
- Do not open your car doors to allow oncoming cars to pass you.
- Avoid getting out of your car when traffic is coming.
- Don’t lean on your shoulder.
- Call for assistance if necessary
Road shoulders are safe areas for motorists involved in accidents or other emergency situations on the road. However, they can also be dangerous. Road shoulders pose additional dangers for motorists who choose to drive on them.
Should you be involved in a car accident of any kind in Buffalo, your best option is to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
