Upcoming Tourism
Living in Baltimore, MD has many upsides. We have a great small-town east coast feel, high affordability compared to surrounding areas, and some of the best schools in the country. We have great food, a great community, and an incredible history. Murphy, Falcon & Murphy has served the legal needs of the Baltimore area for over 70 years and have deep roots here; we are well-versed in everything this area of the country has to offer tourists and residents.
Another upside to this city is the proximity to Washington, D.C. Many jobs in the District of Columbia can be commuted to from Baltimore and even if you don’t work there, there are countless historical and cultural points of interest for day trips. However, one issue that can arise from living so close to the heart of the United States government is that many other people will be coming to visit as well. The spring months are among the busiest for tourism, which will increase traffic in and around D.C. and Maryland.
But as tourism in Washington, D.C. and its surrounding areas continues to increase, it is important to keep in mind the potential for car accidents. With more drivers on the road, particularly those unfamiliar with the area, the chance of being involved in an accident increases. Make sure to pay extra attention when driving and be aware of your surroundings. Additionally, make sure that your vehicle is up to date on all necessary maintenance and inspections. By following these simple steps, you can help minimize the risks associated with driving in heavily touristed areas.
Overview of the Dangers of Seasonal Tourism
The dangers of tourism aren’t necessarily because tourists are bad drivers — some are, but so are some locals — but there are a few factors that visitors to the area will bring with them.
First of all, the number of people on the road increases the number of accidents that can occur as a baseline. More traffic means that there’s less room to maneuver and more accidents. Roads that are normally built for smaller populations can be overrun by a rush of tourism. D.C. roads are built in a way that travelers are accounted for, but the peak months can still be overcrowded. Maryland roads will also see an increase in traffic during D.C.’s busy period.
This is before taking into consideration that tourists will be driving on unfamiliar roads with potentially unfamiliar driving patterns of locals, and all of this on top of trying to make sure that their vacation schedule is on track. They may be looking at their GPS more, driving a rental vehicle that they’re not quite used to, looking up addresses, talking to their families, missing turns, driving into dead ends, or down one-way roads. Mistakes are bound to happen with these overwhelming distractions, especially with the quantity of tourism that’s attracted to the area.
Take Preventative Measures Against Common Accident Scenarios
No one wants to be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately, they can and do happen. To protect yourself, it is important to take preventative measures against common accident scenarios. This includes making sure your car is properly maintained, always driving with caution and obeying traffic laws, and wearing your seatbelt. If you do find yourself in a car crash, it is important to contact a trusted car crash lawyer like the ones at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy. A car crash lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for any damages you incurred, as well as help you navigate the legal process. Taking preventative measures can help you avoid traffic collisions and any legal issues that may arise from them.
Murphy, Falcon & Murphy have a guide to avoiding common accident scenarios, here are a few highlights to keep in mind to keep yourself and your passengers safe:
- Be aware of your surroundings, and avoid distractions.
- Pay attention to who has the right of way at an intersection.
- Give larger vehicles like buses and commercial vehicles a wide berth.
- If you notice another driver swinging from side to side in and out of their lane or speeding, try to stay out of their way and get yourself to safety before reporting the offender to the police.
Familiarize Yourself With Local Traffic Laws
If you live or drive in Maryland, it is essential to become knowledgeable about the state’s traffic laws. Accidents can occur even in the safest of places, so it is important to know how to respond if you are involved in a car accident. Familiarizing yourself with Maryland’s traffic laws can help protect you in the event of a car crash. Knowing the laws of the state can help you to better navigate the roads, and will ensure that you are better prepared in case of an accident.
Make sure to leave room between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you so that you can stop before hitting them if they slow down or stop themselves. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident on the road, according to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration. 29 percent of all car accidents across the nation are caused by a sudden stop or the driver in the rear being distracted by a phone. The following car is typically the one at fault in these accidents, and if a tourist driver is ahead of you they may be more liable to suddenly slow down or stop if they realize that they’ve missed a turn.
It is essential to take extra caution on the roads to avoid severe T-bone accidents. Never run a red light or make illegal turns as these can put you and your loved ones in danger. A T-bone accident can have a much more life-changing impact than a minor fender bender, as the car can hit either the driver or passenger side. Be careful when driving and make sure to follow the rules of the road to avoid these types of accidents.
Know Your Rights in Case of an Accident
You may want to consider consulting with a car crash lawyer if you’re involved in a traffic collision. A car crash lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a driver in the event of a car accident. If you or a family member have had your well-being impacted by a traffic collision, please reach out to Murphy, Falcon & Murphy and schedule a free consultation with our experienced car accident attorneys here in Baltimore. We’ll talk through your case with you and let you know whether you could benefit from filing a claim.