When most people think of a car accident, they think of the incident being caused by a driver making a mistake on the roadway. While this is often the case, vehicle accidents are also commonly caused by vehicle failure. When drivers fail to properly maintain their vehicles, serious accidents can occur. Here, the Cleveland car accident attorneys at Paulozzi LPA want to discuss the most critical aspects of proper vehicle maintenance to avoid traffic collisions.
During the latest reporting year in this state, the Ohio Office of Traffic Safety says that there were more than 300,000 total crashes reported. These incidents led to more than 100,000 injuries and over 1,100 fatalities. In many instances, car accidents are caused due to vehicle failure. Below, we discuss the most critical aspects involved in proper vehicle maintenance.
Many people do not adequately maintain their tires. It is vital that vehicle drivers regularly check the tread of their tires. Worn down or “bald” tires present extreme dangers on the roadway. Even a little bit of water on the roadway can cause a vehicle with bald tires to spin out of control. Tires should also be properly inflated, as under pressurized or over-pressurized tires can lead to traction issues.
Brakes are obviously essential for proper vehicle safety. However, a lack of maintenance on the brakes greatly increases the chance of brake failure. Drivers should regularly have their brakes inspected and replace them when needed. Some of the most common causes of brake failure include:
Many drivers do not think to check their headlights to ensure they are properly working. If one headlight is out or if the headlights are dim, this can lead to serious accidents on the roadway at night or when there is limited visibility. Sometimes, headlight covers need to be cleaned or replaced. Other times headlight bulbs need to be replaced, which is a relatively inexpensive and easy repair.
Drivers are often unaware that their brake lights are malfunctioning. Drivers should regularly check to ensure that all of their brake lights are properly working. Brake lights indicate to drivers behind you that you are slowing down and that they should adjust their driving speed. Faulty brake lights are one of the most common causes of rear-end accidents.
Turn signals must be working at all times. These lights, located on the front and the rear of the vehicle, let drivers around you know when you are about to make a turn or a lane change. Just like headlights and brake lights, drivers should regularly check to see if all turn signals are working.
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a car accident caused by the failure of another driver’s vehicle, contact the team at Paulozzi LPA today. We are ready to investigate every aspect of your case in order to secure the compensation you need. This can include:
When you need a Cleveland car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.
