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Regardless of their scale, car accidents can significantly affect the individuals caught up in them. Even if you adhere to all safety guidelines, the sad reality remains that the potential for getting injured in an accident is ever-present whenever you’re on the road.
Numerous factors lead to accidents; your most effective safeguard against injury is being aware of these factors. Hence, we’ve compiled a list of Calgary’s primary causes of car accidents. This resource will equip you with insights on what to be cautious of and how to reduce the likelihood of sustaining severe injuries.
On October 19, 2023, tragedy struck when a 50-year-old man lost his life in a car crash that occurred along Stoney Trail in northeast Calgary. The incident, currently under investigation by the Calgary police’s traffic section, unfolded in the early morning hours at 3:30 a.m. on October 19 near the intersection of Stoney Trail and McKnight Boulevard Northeast.
The collision involved a 2021 Ford Edge, travelling south on Stoney Trail Northeast. Tragically, the vehicle veered off the road, traversed a grass ditch, and collided with an overpass support beam on the west side of Stoney Trail Northeast.
The impact occurred at a high rate of speed, resulting in the driver’s immediate fatality. Notably, authorities have ruled out alcohol or drug involvement as factors in the crash, pinpointing excessive speed as the likely cause.
We’ve all been in this situation at some point – navigating the early stages of driving, relishing the newfound freedom it offers on the open road.
According to the Alberta Ministry of Transportation, young drivers exhibited the highest rate of involvement in fatal accidents and the highest casualty rates in accidents in 2015. An astonishing 86.4% of all accidents in 2015 resulted from one or more drivers making errors. The fact remains that there will always be a presence of new, young drivers on the road.
Protecting yourself from the actions of these inexperienced drivers entails giving them ample space. Keep an eye on how they drive – it can be a giveaway of their behaviour. Stay prepared for potential errors and approach them with a defensive driving mindset.
It could seem like common knowledge, but despite the frequent reminders about the perils of speeding, some individuals still disregard the warnings and exceed the speed limits by a significant margin. Consequently, an alarming 25% of fatal collisions in Alberta in 2015 were a direct result of speeding.
When you share the road with a speeder, you must compose constant awareness of your surroundings and respond calmly to your reckless driving. While you could be tempted to express disapproval of their behaviour, it’s not worth it. Instead, focus on staying clear of them, and if they are driving dangerously fast, safely pull over and inform the authorities.
Monitoring your speed diligently is essential to prevent endangering yourself and others. Remember, arriving late and safely is always the better choice.
Distracted driving entails dividing your focus between the road and other activities, such as using a mobile phone, listening to music, eating, using GPS, or engaging in various other diversions. Like the other causes enumerated in this list, it can result in tragic consequences.
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) reports that distracted driving in Canada now contributes to more accidents than impaired driving. It is our responsibility to both ourselves and our fellow drivers to ensure road safety by avoiding common distractions. This includes keeping music at a reasonable volume, refraining from using your phone unless parked and avoiding activities like eating or applying makeup while driving.
Calgary experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall and ice. These weather-related challenges can lead to deteriorating road conditions, including potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces.
Inadequate signage can confuse drivers. Missing or unclear road signs can lead to sudden lane changes, missed exits, and misunderstandings, resulting in collisions.
Poor road lighting can be a significant safety concern, especially during nighttime hours. Insufficient or malfunctioning streetlights can reduce visibility, making it challenging for drivers to spot hazards, pedestrians, or other vehicles. This can lead to car accidents, particularly at intersections and areas with high pedestrian traffic.
The presence of wild animals on our roadways has been substantiated as a prominent catalyst for rural accidents in our province. Startlingly, a staggering 54% of rural accidents in 2015 resulted from collisions with wildlife, underscoring the significance of not underestimating this risk.
When wildlife unexpectedly appears on the road, it’s imperative not to succumb to panic. Abrupt swerving is typically an ill-advised response, as it can exacerbate the situation by causing a loss of vehicle control. While our fondness for animals is undeniable, your and your family’s safety takes precedence. The hard reality is that, on occasion, prioritizing personal safety could entail an unfortunate collision with an animal.
Aggressive driving behaviours are a growing concern in Calgary, as they have increased in recent years. This category of behaviour encompasses a range of unsafe actions that can pose significant risks on the road.
| Tailgating | This behaviour increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions and creates stress and anxiety for the driver being tailgated. |
| Road Rage | Road rage refers to aggressive displays of anger and aggression by drivers, often in response to perceived slights or frustrations. This can include aggressive gestures, shouting, or even physical altercations. Road rage escalates tensions on the road and can lead to accidents or confrontations. |
| Reckless Overtaking | Reckless overtaking is when a driver attempts to pass another vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner, such as passing on a double yellow line or in an area with limited visibility. This behaviour can result in head-on collisions and other dangerous situations. |
The increasing number of car accidents in Calgary is a multifaceted issue with various causes. To address this problem effectively, city authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the community work together.
In the unfortunate event that you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, seeking legal guidance and support is essential. The car accident’s aftermath can be stressful, and a lawyer can be beneficial when you navigate the legal complexities.
Remember, you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone. Injured? Call Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary today to secure your rights during these difficult times.
When driving in Calgary, safety measures are important to protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users.
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Obey Traffic Laws |
Always see posted speed limits, traffic signals, and signs. Follow the rules of the road, including stopping at stop signs and yielding the right-of-way when required. |
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Avoid Distractions |
Stay focused on driving. Do not use your phone, eat, or engage in other distracting activities while behind the steering wheel. |
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Maintain a Safe Following Distance |
Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front. This provides ample reaction time in case of sudden stops or emergencies. |
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Drive According to Weather Conditions |
Be cautious in adverse weather, such as heavy rain or snow. Adjust your speed and increase your following distance when road conditions are poor. |
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Drive Defensively |
Oversee the actions of other drivers and be prepared for unexpected behaviour. Defensive driving can assist you in avoiding accidents caused by the mistakes of others. |
If you’re involved in a car accident in Calgary, follow these simple steps:
Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary can assist if you or someone you know is injured in a car accident in Calgary. Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle various car accident cases. We can help you explore the legal complexities, assess your situation, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
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