Approximately 70 percent of the streets in Portland are in residential areas, where speed limits have been reduced to 20 miles per hour from 25 miles per hour. This change was unanimously approved in January of last year by the Portland City Council to help reduce accidents and help children get to school safely.
While reducing speed limits will help reduce collisions, there are other steps drivers should take to help prevent collisions in residential areas. Our Portland car accident attorneys discuss measures you should take to stay safe and prevent these accidents below.
If you were injured in a car accident, schedule a free, no obligation consultation today and learn about your legal rights.
Hazards to Watch for on Neighborhood Streets
Neighborhood streets have different hazards than a highway does, and drivers need to know what to look out for to avoid accidents. Be mindful of the following hazards anytime you are driving in a residential area:
- Residential areas can have more pedestrians about, from children playing to neighbors walking or riding bikes. Pedestrians may cross roadways unexpectedly, so drivers must be mindful.
- Many Oregon residents have pets in the family. Pets may sometimes get loose and there is a risk of them running into the roadway suddenly.
- During the winter, residential streets typically do not receive treatment as soon as arterial or main roads do. There is a higher risk of encountering snow and ice on the road in a residential area, which can lead to dangerous accidents and property damage.
- In residential areas, cars are often parked along the side of the street. Other items such as trashcans may be near the curbs. These obstacles reduce visibility and it is difficult to see someone moving out into the roadway from around a car or other large item.
Safety Tips in Residential Areas
Keep yourself and others safe when driving through residential areas by following these safety tips:
- Always follow the speed limit. Remember that residential speed limits in Portland are 20 mph.
- Reduce your speed whenever pedestrians, cyclists or children are about. This gives you more time to react safely to their unexpected movements.
- Take extra time at stop signs and stop lights. Look both ways three times before moving through an intersection. This helps you best see pedestrians, vehicles and any other hazards that may arise. Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Do not use your cellphone while driving. Talking on the phone, texting or using your device for other purposes while driving pulls your hands, eyes and attention away from the road. Tunnel vision kicks in and you cannot see what is going on around your vehicle while you are looking down at your phone.
- Use your headlights to improve visibility. If there are no other vehicles on the road, use your bright lights to help you better see nearby hazards.
- Take extra care when driving on residential roads during the winter or other periods of bad weather. Watch for icy patches, snow drifts and pot holes that have developed on the roadway. Slow your speed, ease up on your breaks if you begin to slide on ice and turn your steering wheel in the direction that your vehicle’s rear slides to correct. Avoid hills and dangerous roadways that have not been cleared.
Contact Rizk Law for Help
If you were injured in a car accident on a residential street caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The car accident lawyers of Rizk Law help victims pursue the compensation they deserve.
Request a free, no obligation consultation today. Our attorneys work to maximize compensation while protecting your rights. We charge no upfront fees and you only pay us if we recover compensation for you.
