This time last year Utah’s roads were a far more empty place than they are now.  Many businesses have picked back up and vaccinated people are almost enjoying life the same way before COVID-19.  If you have read any of our car accident articles before, you may know that summer is the most deadly time of year when it comes to driving.  Although there are many reasons why this situation may occur, two items come instantly to mind.  The first is that more people are out and about enjoying the weather and special events that only take place in the summer.  The second is that people are driving greater distances either on vacation, or to get out and enjoy Utah’s fantastic great outdoors.  It can be helpful to avoid automobile accidents by knowing where most accidents occur on roads.

Where do Traffic Collisions Happen?

According to a study provided by Progressive Insurance, over 50 percent of non-fatal car accidents happen within 5 miles from someone’s home.  This number jumps to almost 80 percent when the radius is extended to within 15 miles of residential areas.  With that said, here are some other areas where traffic accidents tend to occur.

Rural Roads and Farmlands

Fatal car accidents tend to happen on rural roads.  When you think about rear-end collisions, people tend to think of frequent red lights.  This constant moving and stopping of your car can be frustrating.  Motorists can find themselves daydreaming, being distracted, and thinking of other things, and end up hitting the car in front of them.  On rural roads, there are far fewer stop signs, lights, and intersections.  People often tend to speed because they know that there will be fewer cops and are far less likely to receive a speeding ticket.  So remember, car accidents that take lives often happen on two-lane rural roads, where vehicles can have a high-speed head-on collision.

Intersections

Although the number of fatal car crashes is not as common in intersections, the number of actual accidents is quite high in these areas.  It is always a good idea to pay attention and have a heightened sense of what is going on when entering an intersection.  Defensive driving is important in these areas.  Essentially you are looking out for other drivers to make a mistake that will result in an accident.  For example, improper left-hand turns can happen and a vehicle is now in front of oncoming traffic that had the right of way.  Distracted driving is another large culprit.  People can be distracted and run a red light.  We recommend taking a few seconds to ensure that someone is not running the light and is going to make a full stop before you proceed through the intersection, even if you have a green arrow or light.

Parking Lots and Garages

Another area where we see an increase in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents is in parking lots and garages.  People tend to throw away normal rules of the road and drive more like they are in a bumper car arena.  A common accident occurs when someone is backing out of a parking spot and hit a parked car.  Another situation can arise when a driver enters a one-way lane in a parking garage or drives outside the lines in order to shorten the distance they need to drive to hit an open parking spot.  Stay on your toes the next time you are in a parking lot and don’t assume that because you are doing the right thing, others will as well.