Tourism and St. Louis Automobile Accidents

Vacations are supposed to be a relaxing escape for everyday life, and in general, that is precisely what they are. Unfortunately, trips can be ruined by getting into an automobile accident, which often leads to property damage, financial liability, and injuries.

Pedestrians

Tourists tend to want to see highly populated areas, such as markets, malls, and landmarks. The unfortunate truth is that these situations often lead to pedestrian accidents, which carry a high level of financial liability. Whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver, it is in your best interest to pay attention to what’s in front of you. Distractions frequently lead to collisions, so try to resist them at all times.

Drinking and Driving

Another activity many tourists take part in is drinking at bars and restaurants. While doing so can be a fun way to unwind on your vacation, you should never get behind the wheel after doing so. Getting caught driving drunk just once could lead to massive fines and losing your license. Additionally, you may get into a car accident, which can hurt you or somebody else.

Unfamiliar Roads

Driving in your hometown is somewhat easy, as you know every little detail of most of the routes you take. This is not the case in a new city, where you can be surprised by the twists and turns of the roads. Confusion often leads to collisions, and collisions cause damage to people’s health. An excellent way to avoid these issues is using a GPS and safely pulling over if you get confused.

Different Laws

Another issue you might run into as a tourist is the fact that traffic laws vary from state to state. A typical example is turning right on a red light. Some places allow you to take that turn, as long as you make a complete stop first. Others prohibit it entirely. Not following traffic laws often leads to tickets, and causes accidents too. Brushing up on a state’s rules before you visit might be a good idea.

Rental Cars

Lastly, we have rental cars. As convenient as they are, driving a new vehicle always comes with a learning curve. Between brake sensitivity, tire tread, and many other factors, you might not know how to control the car as you would your own. This lack of knowledge can put you in compromising situations, so renting a vehicle that is similar to yours back home is a smart idea.

Between pedestrian-heavy areas, intoxication, unfamiliar roads, different laws, and rental cars, there are many ways that a tourist might end up in a car accident. Fortunately, there is a chance for these people to seek justice and compensation afterward. It is important to call the police, collect some evidence at the scene, and speak with a St. Louis car accident attorney.