Many worry about getting in a wreck where they don’t have access to family, friends or health care within their insurance network. While car crashes can and do happen in unfamiliar places, recent data shows that more than half of car crashes happen within five miles of home and almost 70% happen within 10 miles. But why?
People tend to let their guard down in familiar territory
Many people think they’re more likely to get in a crash far away from home because they’re unfamiliar with their surroundings. However, many people let their guard down in places they feel comfortable in, even when danger presents itself. While comfort can be an underlying reason, so many crashes happen close to home, it’s not the only one. Here are a few others:
Parked cars on neighborhood streets create additional hazards
Neighborhood roads tend to be narrower than highways or major streets. And if you live in or around the city, fewer people have garages, so they park their cars in the street. This can create hazards for residents, as one wrong maneuver could result in them crashing into a parked car.
Some feel more comfortable driving impaired near home
Most people associate DUIs with driving on the highway. However, police can stop people anywhere for one – even when they’re close to home. Some people may feel overconfident in driving home from the bar, especially if their drive is fewer than 10 minutes. But it doesn’t matter how long someone is on the road; they could quickly find themselves in danger.
Teenage drivers can increase risks for others
If you live in a neighborhood with families, chances are some of them have teenagers. Whether they just got their license or are practicing with a guardian, many teenagers’ lack of experience can cause them to make more errors and lack appropriate judgement, which can increase the risk of getting in a crash.
People tend to speed in familiar places
Many people drive 5 mph to 10 mph over the speed limit in their neighborhoods. But their reasons for speeding often vary. Some speed because they’re running late or feel comfortable enough to go a little faster in familiar territory. Regardless of the situation, driving above the speed limit in one’s own neighborhood can lead to a crash, especially when they’re not paying attention to their surroundings.
Help is available for crash victims
Even if you follow the rules and drive with caution in your community, other drivers can still hurt you when they behave negligently. If that happens, you have tools and resources available to help you seek compensation for your injuries.