Texas is a good place to see a lot of big 4×4 pickups and SUVs plying the roads. If you’re like many of the people who drive these vehicles, safety was likely one of the biggest selling points for you. The weight of the vehicles, the four- and all-wheel drive systems and the height of the vehicle above the road all lend a feeling of safety. There are many times that a Dallas car accident is cause by a driver in one of these vehicles who overestimates themselves and their truck.
When you’re in a vehicle with high clearance, the height has the effect of making it seem like you’re going slower than you actually are. This can be a very dangerous effect when you’re negotiating the roads in the winter. Because you need to drive slower to account for longer stopping distances, you’re creating a situation where you’re driving too fast and where you’re overestimating your ability to slow down a heavy vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Pay attention to your speedometer, not to the feel of how fast you’re going. If you want to get an idea of how accurate your estimation of your own speed is, find a safe spot and accelerate without looking at the speedometer. You’ll likely be way off in your estimate, no matter how fast or slow you’re going.
It’s also important to remember the power of four- and all-wheel drive. These drive systems can help you to avoid getting stuck and ensure that you have power going to every part of your vehicle that touches the road. These drive systems, however, do not help you stop. If you start sliding out of control, it doesn’t matter if you have four-wheel drive or not. Give other people consideration and slow down so you don’t run into them when you’re trying to stop.
Even a very large vehicle can be destroyed in a car wreck. Don’t overestimate how much protection you have. You may have an SUV or a big pickup, but neither is the same as having a vehicle that is designed to take impacts, such as a police cruiser. You are vulnerable, even if you feel invincible.
If you are struck in an accident, you can call a car wreck attorney to explore your options. If someone overestimated their abilities and hurt you, you may be entitled to compensation.
RASANSKY LAW FIRM
2525 McKinnon Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
CALL US AT 1-877-331-4156
