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We’ve all seen those viral dashcam videos of a car careening off the main highway and hitting another car or person parked on a highway shoulder. These videos are striking reminders of the dangerous situations that can arise from parking on a highway shoulder. When you pull over to the side of the road and exit your vehicle, you’re no longer a motorist or protected by the safety of the vehicle, you become a pedestrian. The number of pedestrian deaths from motor vehicle crashes accounts for approximately 16% of car crash deaths. Pedestrian deaths on highway shoulders account for a small percentage of those deaths. These deaths are commonly caused by driver error and driver distractions. While these situations may seem cut and dry when it comes to fault and liability, pedestrians are required to exercise a certain level of care. If the pedestrian’s own conduct fails to meet these standards, there is a possibility that they can see their recovery reduced. Is it legal to pull over on a highway shoulder?Texas law takes into consideration that people may need to pull over on the highway for various reasons. In other words, if you are having car trouble or some other emergency, you can lawfully pull over to the shoulder of the highway. In many cases, that’s what the highway shoulder is for. Parking on the shoulder ensures that a driver is not blocking the flow of traffic and is the preferable act over stopping in a lane. In fact, the Texas code states that a vehicle may park, stop or stand in the following situations:
It is never a safe practice to stop along the roadways, however, when there is an emergency, these stops may be necessary. Why is pulling over on the highway shoulder so dangerous?According to AAA, pedestrians on the highway account 10% of all pedestrian fatalities in the United States. On average about 515 pedestrians were struck and killed by a motorist on the interstate each year from 1993-2012. With this in mind, it seems ironic that space on the highway meant to provide a safe place to pull over can actually be incredibly unsafe for pedestrians. Crashes can occur on the highway shoulder for the following reasons:
While pulling to the shoulder can be risky, a disabled vehicle sitting on a Texas highway carries far more serious risks. When you have no other choice but to pull over to the shoulder the eight tips below can help you stay as safe as possible. 8 tips for stopping on the highway shoulderBeing a pedestrian on a highway shoulder is extremely dangerous. For this reason, if you are not in an emergency, do not stop on the shoulder. But, if you are in an emergency the following guidelines will potentially reduce your risk of injuries. In the event of a flat tire, many people want to stop immediately to avoid bent rims. However, a couple of hundred dollars for repairs is worth it when you consider the deadly risks on a highway shoulder. Whenever it is possible, drive to the nearest exit. If there is no exit within a reasonable distance, consider the following tips for stopping on the highway shoulder. 1. Take your foot off the acceleratorWhen you run into trouble on the road, don’t slam the brakes. You never know what other drivers are doing behind you or if they’re paying attention to what’s happening in front of them. Instead, gently and smoothly take your foot off the accelerator. 2. Signal your intentions to drivers around youThere is nothing scarier (or more annoying) than a driver who cuts into your lane without warning. Don’t do it to others. If you have an emergency of some sort and need to pull over, use your blinkers to warn other drivers that you are intending to switch lanes. 3. Pull to the right sideThe right lane is typically the slowest lane. Because high speeds limit reaction times and visibility, slower is generally safer. 4. Pull off the road as far as possibleThis seems like common sense, however many people fail to follow through on this. Even when the shoulder is wide enough, you should try to pull over as far as possible. It’s best to put as much space as possible between your car and the roadway. In fact, if the ground next to the pavement is even, you may want to consider pulling off the shoulder entirely. 5. Put the parking brake onEnsuring your parking brake is on will keep your vehicle from easily rolling if hit. 6. Stand on the side furthest from trafficIf a car does come careening off the road and plows into your car, you want to be standing on the other side of the car. In fact, it is in your best interest to stand a couple of hundred feet away from the vehicle and off to the side. A car traveling at a high speed can push a stopped car hundreds of feet. 7. Make sure you’re visibleOften, accidents occur because drivers simply don’t see that someone is on the side of the road. Flags, flares and other hazard indicators can warn others of your presence on the highway shoulder—especially, at night. 8. Call for help immediatelyIf you don’t have the equipment to change your tire or if you spend several minutes trying to start your car—call a tow truck. Every minute you are on the side of the highway puts you at serious risk. Your priority should be your safety, not your car and not saving money. Keep up with vehicle maintenance to avoid shoulder stopsThe best way to avoid highway shoulder pedestrian crashes is to reduce the likelihood of needing to pull over on the shoulder. Without basic car maintenance, you may end up in a situation where you are broken down on the side of the road. The best way to avoid dangerous highway shoulder stops is to keep your vehicle operating at its best. Before you hit the road, make sure to check your car for any flaws. Check your vehicle’s coolantOne of the many reasons your vehicle may break down on the road is from overheating. The effects of poor coolant maintenance can be catastrophic and irreversible. Coolant ensures that your vehicle doesn’t overheat. Ensure tires are properly inflated and without damageTires are, arguably, the most important part of your vehicle. They are your first line of defense for both performance and safety. Worn or underinflated tires can be a ticking time bomb, leading to blowouts on highways and interstates. Look at your brakesBefore hitting the road, take your tires off to look at your brake pads. Ensure your brake pads don’t have crumbling edges or heavy discoloration. In addition, checking your brake fluid is just as important. If your brake fluid degrades in any way, it can reduce braking performance and, in serious cases, lead to complete brake failure. Transmission fluidVehicles with an automatic transmission have automatic transmission fluid. Your transmission fluid should be at the level recommended by the manufacturer and a bright shade of red. Routine oil changesAn oil change consists of removing old oil from a vehicle’s engine and replacing it with new fresh oil. This helps keep your vehicle lubricated and absorbing heat. Oil allows the internal parts to work together effectively without overheating. Changing the oil before it breaks down will lessen the likelihood of major engine troubles. Check for recallsRecalls ensure safety by addressing failures to meet federal minimum standards. Manufacturers make voluntary recalls to ensure that a safety issue is addressed prior to causing serious injuries or fatalities because of a defect. We care. We can help.People take more road trips during the summer months. Without properly caring for their vehicle, they run the risk of highway shoulder pedestrian crashes. Unfortunately, injuries stemming from these types of crashes can lead to complex situations for victims. It is important that pedestrians on the highway use an appropriate level of care to protect themselves in these situations. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe. What steps should you take if you run off the road?What steps should you take if you run-off the road? Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Stay off the brake and gas.. Take your foot off the accelerator.. Turn front wheels to point them in correct direction.. Be prepared for a secondary skid in opposite direction.. Turn wheels in correct direction, straighten wheels.. What is the best way to avoid hitting other vehicles people or animals when moving off from the KERB?(114/352) What is the best way to avoid hitting other vehicles, people or animals when moving off from the kerb? Have a good look around while you walk up to your car and then drive off as soon as you can. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder before moving off from the kerb.
What should you do when you begin to skid?What Should You Do If Your Vehicle Is Skidding?. Take your feet off the pedals. Don't brake, and don't accelerate.. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go.. As the vehicle turns back, steer in the other direction to stop turning and return to your path of travel.. Don't jerk the steering wheel!. What should you do when you begin to skid quizlet?What should you do when you begin to skid? Turn the steering while in the direction in which the rear end of the car is skidding.
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