Every single day, drivers die or are seriously injured in road collisions. The majority of these collisions or accidents are traced back to human error or behavior. Many of the collisions are caused by speeding, inexperienced drivers, or drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, a less obvious, but dangerous contributor to the high number of annual auto accidents is out-of-town drivers.
Living in a Mobile America
People in the United States are very mobile. According to the Population Reference Bureau, a study conducted in the early 2000s revealed that approximately 40 million people move in a given year. Though the number of mobile Americans fluctuates based on characteristics such as the age and state of original residency, the number of mobile Americans remains high.1 The reasons behind American mobility or travel are vast, but include work, bureaucratic tasks, family, or mere pleasure. Regardless of the reasons for traveling, the United States Department of Transportation reports that most of the trips taken each year are long-distance trips, in personal vehicles, traveling to unfamiliar cities.2 As a result, out-of-town drivers can be a contributing factor behind many auto accidents.
Why Do Out-Of-Town Drivers Pose a Threat?
As a driver traveling from north to south or east to west in the United States you will encounter a vast range of terrains, landscapes, and climates. For instance, a warm and sunny climate in the south may occur at the same time as storms in the Midwest or snow in the mountains. Traveling in a rural area with animal crossings, farm vehicles, and large growing crops that hinder visibility at intersections is a completely different set of obstacles in comparison to a city environment with bumper to bumper traffic, sharing the road with public transportation vehicles that makes frequent stops, an increase in pedestrians crossing roadways, and complicated ramp and bridge designs. Each area whether a city or rural area has unique roadway patterns or issues. These unusual roadway issues may include changes in the flow of traffic, sudden changes in speed limits, one way streets, or turnabouts. The unfamiliarity and inexperience with different types of terrains and climates is one of the main reasons for out-of-town drivers.
Contact an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you are in an accident with an out-of-town driver the courts will likely have jurisdiction over any claims filed. The out-of-town driver benefits from traffic laws and up-kept roads, as such they are accountable under the laws of the state the accident occurred in even if they are not residents of the state. Seeking the advice of an experienced auto accident attorney can help you to determine what claims should be filed and protect your rights and interests as a victim of a car accident caused by an out-of-town driver. To contact an auto accident attorney for a free consultation please feel free to call the The Bruning Law Firm trial attorneys at 314-735-8100.
References:
- http://www.prb.org/Publications/Lesson-Plans/PeopleontheMove/Activity1.aspx
- http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/america_on_the_go/long_distance_transportation_patterns/html/entire.html
