It’s a concept that’s covered in every driver’s handbook across the country; changing lanes should be done with great caution, at proper speed, and only after you are certain that your surroundings are clear. Lane changes in inclement weather are inherently more dangerous. Changing your vehicle’s direction on a wet or slippery surface can result in loss of traction and control.
Lane change crashes are a serious problem. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “the universe of two-vehicle lane change crashes consists of 539,000 crashes, involving 1,078,000 vehicles. This constitutes about 10% of the 12.1 million vehicles in the 1999 GES, and about 9% of the 6.3 million crashes.”
What constitutes a lane change crash?
The only way to evaluate a certain type of crash is to define how it occurs and exclude other types of accidents. The NHTSA defines an accident as a lane change crash when it meets the following conditions:
- The vehicles involved must initially be traveling on parallel paths in the same direction. If they are on intersecting paths, or traveling in opposite directions, then the collisions are not classified as lane change crashes.
- The encroachment, whether intentional (as in a typical lane change) or unintended (as in drifting), is the first in a sequence of events leading to the crash. Avoidance maneuvers or loss of control due to mechanical failure are not classified as lane change crashes.
Leading causes of lane change crashes
Unsurprisingly, the NHTSA found that distracted driving accounted for the majority of lane change crashes. Alcohol and drugs were involved in only 1% of the reported accidents. The majority of accidents (73%) occurred during the day and in clear weather.
Lane change crashes at high speeds can have devastating consequences. An accident at highway speed doesn’t just involve the two cars required for a lane change crash; it creates an obstacle for other drivers. In extreme cases, what started as a lane change crash can end in a multi-vehicle pileup.
The NHTSA data is incontrovertible; distracted driving is the leading cause of lane change accidents. Keep yourself and others safe on the road. Put the phone down and pay attention. Your life may depend on it.
Unfortunately, you can’t control the actions of other drivers. If you or someone you know has been in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for you injures. Contact the experienced Tennessee auto accident attorneys at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm today for a free consultation at our Nashville, Gallatin or Knoxville office locations.
