SW Florida Drivers Take Care - Changing Lanes Can Be Dangerous
Corbin Sutter
Traffic Accidents
For most of us, driving has become so routine that we rarely give it a second thought. As driving has become such a ubiquitous part of daily life, we tend to become complacent when on the road and think about other things while we are behind the wheel.Usually, this is fine, however, there are times when drivers should be fully focused on what they are doing. Changing lanes is one of those times.
Changing lanes greatly increases the chance that a dangerous crash can occur. This is because a driver must turn their attention away from the road in front of the vehicle, turn their head to check mirrors, and again to check the blind spot many vehicles have.
Additionally, when driving you tend to drift the vehicle toward where your eyes are focused, and without careful control, this can be a problem for drowsy drivers turning their heads away from the front to check for traffic.
All too often, many drivers may become complacent and simply rely on their mirrors without checking the blind spot of their vehicle. It's not uncommon for faster traffic to pass quickly around a vehicle about to change lanes, especially on the highway when the driver is stuck behind slower traffic. In this situation changing lanes and failing to check twice can lead to a serious accident.
A recent crash that occurred in Port Charlotte highlights the dangers of changing lanes.
Crash In Punta Gorda On Tamiami Trail Injures Two Children and Two Adults
According to a report from the FHP, the crash occurred Thursday evening as a family from Punta Gorda was traveling in a Sport Utility vehicle heading south on US 41 (Tamiami Trail) in the left lane, near the intersection with Madrid Boulevard.
Driven by a 30-year-old man from Punta Gorda, the SUV also had 3 passengers, a 30-year-old woman, a 6-year-old boy, and a 7-year-old girl.
At 6:17:00 PM, the driver of the SUV attempted to change lanes to the right lane and failed to control the vehicle. The SUV entered the median at speed and overturned, causing the driver of the SUV to be ejected from the vehicle.
The vehicle finally came to a stop along the shoulder of Tamiami Trail in a ditch.
The driver of the SUV was seriously injured in the crash, and both the two children and the female passenger sustained minor injuries during the accident.
As experienced accident attorneys in southwest Florida, we see people hurt in preventable car crashes every week. We urge all drivers whether experienced or new to always be extra alert and check twice before changing lanes.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in an auto accident contact attorney Brian O. Sutter for your free consultation.