You enjoy driving and it gets you from A to B each day, but you’re also aware that it’s a potentially dangerous activity. For this reason, you take every possible precaution to ensure that your car is in pristine condition. Through regular services, your care is always safe and roadworthy.
Unfortunately, not all road users share this attitude and many damaged cars are still driven. Even a car with minor damage can increase the chances of an accident occurring. Outlined below are some key reasons why it’s so dangerous to continue driving a damaged vehicle.
Visibility is key
Some individuals are of the opinion that it’s ok to keep driving a car with a broken side mirror, cracked windshield or faulty headlight. After all, these are only “minor” defects. In reality, they are not minor at all. They all play a key role in both making the vehicle visible and helping the driver to see other road users. If a side mirror is broken, then a driver may fail to spot a car approaching and change lanes, resulting in a collision. A crack in the windshield could distract the operator of the vehicle, or obstruct their view so that they don’t see the car in front and rear end them as a result.
Damaged cars often leak fluids
Cars require various fluids to run properly. Oil lubricates the engine and other components. Hydraulic fluids help power braking systems. Numerous liquid coolants ensure that the vehicle does not overheat. A damaged car may not be able to hold these fluids properly, meaning that they leak onto the road surface. Oil or other fluids on the road mean that vehicles heading over them are at risk of losing traction and ending up in a collision.
Damaged cars are a potential danger to you and if you have been hurt this way, you may be able to hold the driver to account. Seek legal guidance to find out what your options are in terms of pursuing compensation.