You sometimes hear people talk about how most car crashes happen relatively close to a person’s house. Studies have backed this up and for more than just car accidents. For drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and many others, the odds of injury are greatest within 10 miles of the house.
But why is this? That’s a little harder to pin down, as each accident is unique. There are a few potential reasons.
This is where most driving takes place
First and foremost, when looking at car accidents, it’s important to remember that most people drive relatively close to their home. Even someone who has to commute farther than 10 miles may spend most of their driving within that radius. For instance, someone who drives 15 miles to work each day is spending a cumulative total of roughly 2/3 of their drive within 10 miles of their house. The odds of accidents in these areas are just naturally going to be the greatest.
Drivers become complacent
But another potential issue to watch out for is when drivers get complacent. They know the roads and they underestimate the risks. They believe that they are safe.
But this can lead to serious mistakes. A driver who feels bored or complacent on a certain stretch of road may be more likely to zone out, daydream or seek out other distractions, such as checking their text messages. Some studies also suggest drunk driving is more common close to home.
Can you seek compensation?
Unfortunately, no matter where you’re driving, there’s always the potential that you could be injured when someone else makes a negligent mistake. If this occurs, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other costs.