Motor vehicle collisions have a wide range of causes, but in this post, we will examine drivers becoming startled, a risk factor that does not receive very much attention. Many people do not realize how serious it is when drivers become startled behind the wheel and there are many reasons why this happens. For example, a loud and abrupt sound causes some drivers to become startled and many other issues cause drivers to become startled suddenly, such as a disruptive passenger in the vehicle or a sudden change on the road.
Drivers who do not expect certain distractions and sudden movements or sounds are more likely to lose control of their vehicles. For example, if a deer or dog runs out of the woods while someone is driving around a turn, it is very likely that the driver will become startled. During such an incident, it is common for drivers to slow down, slam on the breaks or swerve in an attempt to avoid the creature. If another vehicle is traveling toward the driver, this presents a serious accident risk and some drivers swerve off of the road and slam into a tree or another object.
Drivers become startled in urban environments for a host of reasons as well, which is especially concerning when there are many other vehicles around. Even though it is understandable for some drivers to make certain errors when they are startled, the victims of these accidents often suffer in many ways and need to look into their legal options afterward. Our website covers a wide range of topics related to motor vehicle collisions.