Best and Worst Times to Drive
A beautiful state to both live and drive, the majority of trips by motor vehicle in Rhode Island occur without incident. However, car accidents do happen, and while the motor vehicle fatality rate in Rhode Island is lower than the national rate, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health, the roads in the state can still be dangerous. For a look at the best and worst times to drive in Rhode Island, refer to the following.
Night Driving and Drunk Driving
Night driving is typically more dangerous in general, because of decreased visibility. However, driving at night can also be dangerous because of the increased number of drunk drivers that are on the road. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), drunk driving in fatal crashes in the United States are 4.5 times higher at night than during the daytime hours (2011).
Additionally, MADD reports that in 2012, drunk driving fatalities represented 38 percent of all traffic deaths in the state of Rhode Island. Other particularly dangerous times for drunk drivers to be on the road include weekends, when drunk drivers were involved in 31 percent of fatal crashes in 2011, compared to 15 percent during the week, according to MADD. Holidays also may increase the presence of drunk drivers on the roadways.
Winter Driving
The Rhode Island State Police warn about the dangers of driving in the winter in the state. In the winter, the roads are particularly threatening, and snow and sleet are responsible for thousands of crashes every year.
In order to protect yourself while driving during the winter, it’s important to take extra cautionary measures.
- have plenty of gas in your tank.
- drive slower than normal.
- and, keep a longer following distance than you normally would.
Rush Hour
Given the greater number of vehicles on the road, accidents may be more likely during times of heavy congestion when drivers enter and exit the freeway and must merge into other lanes. Frustration may build during the morning rush hour (about 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and afternoon rush hour (about 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), which can increase risk of an accident.
Staying Safe While Driving
Anyone can become the victim of a crash at any time, regardless of the season, time of day, or day of the week. It may be especially dangerous if driving during rush hour and on weekend nights when drunk drivers may be on the road.
However, not driving on weekends, holidays, or during certain hours is impossible for the majority of people. As such, exercising defensive driving techniques is always within your best interest. Obey traffic laws, keep your frustrations under control, keep a safe following distance, and always stay aware of your surroundings.
Unfortunately, even the safest drivers sometimes become the victims of an accident. If you’ve been injured, an attorney can help.
Call an Attorney if You’ve Been in an Accident in Rhode Island
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Rhode Island caused by another driver, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage. For answers to your legal questions, the attorneys at Rob Levine & Associates can help.
For guidance during the process of filing your claim, questions about compensation, and a free case consultation, call us today at 800-LAW-1222 (529-1222). Our attorneys are ready to take on your case today, and will work hard to get you the compensation that you deserve.
