What Makes Nebraska Highway Accidents So Dangerous?

Some of Nebraska’s most serious car accidents occur on our highways. In March of 2021, two people lost their lives after a crash on Highway 34 near York. The two deaths were caused by a head-on collision after one car veered into oncoming traffic, and police quickly arrived on the scene to assess the situation. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this fatal collision, and police officers reported that neither driver in York was wearing their seatbelt. If you have been involved in a highway accident, you can count yourself lucky to have escaped with your life. On the other hand, you may be dealing with severe injuries. If you have medical costs and missed wages, you can have these damages compensated with a personal injury claim. Reach out to a qualified, experienced attorney near you, and you can pursue a settlement. This compensation can provide you with much-needed financial assistance as you recover from your injuries.

What Makes Highway Crashes So Dangerous?

There are a number of factors that make highway crashes quite dangerous. Perhaps most obviously, cars are driving at high speeds on highways. When crashes do occur, these high speeds accelerate impacts considerably. In addition, highways can be confusing for many people, especially those who might be traveling through Nebraska for the first time. One wrong turn can leave you going the wrong way up an exit ramp, into oncoming traffic. Highways can also give drivers a false sense of security. So often, we drive in straight lines for hours on highways. In this unstimulating environment, it’s easy to “switch off” and overlook certain safety hazards. Some drivers even fall asleep behind the wheel because of the monotonous nature of highway driving.

What are the Top Hazards on Highways?

If you value safety while driving on highways, you might want to keep your eyes open for these hazards:

• Hydroplaning: Rain on highways can pose a serious risk. When puddles form on highways, it’s all too easy to start hydroplaning while traveling at high speeds. Hydroplaning is when your wheels spin over water without actually touching the road. This causes you to veer uncontrollably to one side while you’re driving. The best thing to do in this situation is to take your foot off the accelerator and try not to oversteer.
• Seatbelt Usage: Seatbelts are always essential, but they are even more beneficial while you’re driving on the highway. When traveling at high speeds, collisions can send you straight through the windscreen. Your chances of survival rise dramatically if you put on your seatbelt while on the highway.
• Not Using the Correct Lanes: Remember, the left lane is always for passing. Don’t stay in the left lane unless you are actively passing another driver. When drivers fail to follow these rules, it causes confusion. In many certain circumstances, it can lead to collisions.
• Not Matching the Speed of Traffic: You should always match the speed of traffic, especially when you’re merging onto a highway for the first time. Even though it might seem like everyone else is going too fast, you can create a hazard by driving slower than everyone else.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’re serious about getting compensation for your highway accident, reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney in Nebraska today.