3 Situations Where You Should Pull Your Vehicle Over to a Safe Location

by Michael D. Ponce

Last Updated November 16, 2022 In Car Accident

When you’re driving and trying to get to work, home, or a vacation destination, the last thing you want to do is stop if you don’t have to. You’re focused on getting to your destination as quickly as possible, and that means you may try to push through potentially dangerous situations.

The next time you experience the following, it’s important to pull over to a safe location rather than continuing to drive:

1. Falling asleep behind the wheel—Drowsy driving is a dangerous epidemic in the U.S. Around 35% of Americans report being sleep deprived, and that can affect their ability to drive safely. If you’re struggling to stay focused and awake, pull over to a safe location to take a quick nap.
2. Driving in torrential rain/snow or heavy fog—Modern vehicles are equipped to handle inclement weather, but not extreme weather. When rain or snow are absolutely pouring down, your wipers won’t be able to keep up and you may not be able to see in front of you. Extreme fog can also reduce visibility to just a few feet in front of your vehicle.
3. Needing to make an important phone call—You should never use a handheld phone while driving. But even using a hands-free function to make or take a call can be dangerously distracting, especially when it’s an important call. For these calls, always pull over to a safe location first.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers know that not all drivers follow these safety guidelines. When they don’t, they put themselves and others at risk. If you are injured by a negligent driver, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.