All drivers owe one another a duty of care. Essentially, this means doing their best not to cause accidents. When a driver breaches this duty of care, this is referred to as negligence.
Negligence is the cause of millions of road traffic collisions every year in the U.S. But what exactly does negligent driving look like?
Speeding
One of the most common forms of negligent driving is speeding. Speed limits are in place for several reasons, but the number one reason is to keep drivers safe. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, they put other road users at risk- which is negligence.
Speeding can also encompass other risky driving behaviors. For instance, a speeding driver may engage in racing or dangerous overtaking. They may run red lights and ignore traffic signals.
Not paying attention
Often, negligent driving stems from distractions. A driver may not intentionally speed or carry out dangerous maneuvers, but being distracted in itself is a hazard. Some of the most common distractions include:
- Cell phones and other electronic devices
- Other passengers
- Driving while stressed
- Environmental factors, such as large crowds
While there may be no malicious intent in being distracted, this type of behavior is still potentially negligent.
Impaired driving
Impaired driving is a real issue in Pennsylvania, and if an impaired driver injures someone else, this is negligent. While impairment is often related to alcohol and illicit drugs, it can also include prescription medication that has side effects.
If you have been injured by the negligent actions of another, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. Seek legal guidance to assess your options in more detail.
