14 December

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Does driving in the dark increase accident risk?

As the sun sets earlier and the days become shorter, your schedule may require you to drive in the dark more often than usual. While you may be familiar with driving at night, doing so often comes with increased dangers and risks. Bright headlights, vision difficulties and nighttime distractions are just some of the issues caused by a lack of natural sunlight. Yet, there are steps you can take to increase your safety and minimize your risk of getting into a deadly car accident. Vision difficulties Not only is it harder for drivers to see in the dark, but the bright glare of...

28 October

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Is drowsy driving as dangerous as it seems?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

In recent years, more attention has come to the potential hazards related to drowsy driving. Experts across the board paint it as one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, which says a lot, given this category also includes the highly fatal act of operating mobile devices while driving. But is drowsy driving actually that dangerous? What about it makes it such a risk to drivers in the first place? Drowsiness vs. intoxication Sleep Foundation takes a look at the impact of drowsiness on overall driver safety, revealing important facts about this form of distracted driving. First, drowsiness actually has a similar...

15 September

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Do aggressive drivers pose a roadway threat?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Road rage – the feeling of anger or irritation that many drivers experience when on the road – serves as a common unifier among many drivers. In fact, a study by AAA reported that up to 80 percent of drivers admitted to experiencing road rage at some point. Unfortunately, some drivers take road rage too far and it leads to aggressive driving behaviors which can, in turn, increase the chances of crashes. Thus, it is important to note red flags of road rage when they appear and act accordingly. Signs of aggressive driving AAA Newsroom discusses the role aggressive drivers play in crashes,...

07 July

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Inattentional blindness vs. distracted driving

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

The lack of safety features and the protection of a frame mean motorcycle collisions with passenger cars and trucks in North Carolina often have devastating results. As a rider, even if you take precautions, it may not be enough. Expectation plays a role in what people see. According to Psychmechanics, attention is a limited resource, and inattentional blindness results when the brain focuses on only essential and relevant details to conserve resources. When the eyes see something the brain doesn’t expect, a person may lose critical information. Inattentional blindness Inattentional blindness, also called perceptual blindness, occurs when a person looks but doesn’t see, missing crucial...

01 June

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How can North Carolina drivers avoid distracted driving?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

No matter how long you have had your license, or how confident you are in your driving skills, you must still remain alert and aware behind the wheel. This entails avoiding distracted driving behaviors at all costs. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there are a number of distracted driving behaviors motorists can fall victim to. Avoiding these behaviors is your duty as a motorist, both for your safety and the safety of others. Do not text while driving Drivers in North Carolina are not permitted to text while operating a motor vehicle. Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 cannot...

14 April

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Tragic accident kills two in Johnston County

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Car accidents can have substantial effects on victims and their families. Property damage, insurance trouble and physical injuries can take their toll and cause ongoing problems. Perhaps the most tragic outcome of a car accident is when victims suffer life-altering or fatal injuries. An investigation may provide insight into the circumstances leading up to a collision to bring closure to the victims’ families. Mother and child deceased For one North Carolina family, a recent car accident resulted in the deaths of two of their loved ones. The collision happened in Johnston County during daylight hours. Reports suggested that a dump truck collided with...

08 April

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Is the poor health of truck drivers putting you at risk?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Tractor-trailers are common on roadways in Asheville and around North Carolina. When approaching or passing one, you must respect the driver’s blind spots. After all, the sheer size of commercial vehicles, which may weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, often makes them deadly in collisions with ordinary cars. Professional truck drivers receive comprehensive training and must carry a special driver’s license. While you may be able to trust truckers to obey the rules of the road, their poor health may put your life in jeopardy. Smoking Even though many truck drivers are perfectly healthy, others have habits that may make them unsafe. According...

01 February

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Why do some people feel drowsy while driving?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

As a responsible driver, you know that you need to be alert while navigating the roads in North Carolina or any other state. However, there is the chance you will encounter a motorist who is too fatigued to pay attention to you. This may result in a serious auto collision. Why do some people drive while drowsy given the risks? Sometimes a driver does not know that he or she is at risk of falling asleep while behind the wheel. The CDC explains that there are multiple reasons why a person could be too tired to drive safely. Not enough sleep Anyone can...

19 January

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Do you know how the driver’s license point system works?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Life in the Asheville area is much easier if you have a driver’s license. Still, your driving privileges are not a guarantee. If you commit certain driving infractions, you may face a driver’s license suspension. To keep track of your driving infractions, North Carolina uses a point system. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles assesses points for driving infractions. Generally, if you accumulate 12 or more points in a three-year period, officials suspend your driver’s license. There are a couple exceptions to this rule, however. Some infractions trigger an automatic driver’s license suspension Many traffic infractions result in the assessment of just one, two or...

30 November

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How do you make a claim against someone else’s car insurance?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Recently, you were in an auto accident while navigating North Carolina’s roads. The police report determined the other driver bears fault for the accident, but you do not know how to file a claim on another’s car insurance. Forbes offers information you may find useful. Learn how to make a third-party claim and receive the compensation you need to repair your vehicle and cover your resulting medical bills. Making a third-party claim For your scenario, you want to make a third-party claim. The other driver acts as the first party, the insurance company becomes the second and you are the third party. While...