Extensive research has been done on a variety of driving hazards. For decades researchers have been studying driving behaviour on closed tracks and simulators. One of the things that these researchers have found is that detecting a stopped or slow moving vehicle on a highway can be much more difficult than we think.
It takes longer than you expect for your eyes and brain to recognize that a vehicle ahead of you is stopped, or driving very slowly. This is particularly so at night or on straight and flat highways in rural settings. A stopped vehicle in the live lane of a highway is extremely hazardous, even when the hazard lights are on.
If you leave your vehicle in the live lane of a highway and it causes an accident you could be liable to pay compensation to people injured in the accident.
Because stopped vehicles on a highway are so hazardous, the MTO Drivers’ Handbook directs drivers to get off the road at the first sign of mechanical trouble. The MTO advises drivers that in a minor collision with no injuries, if you can “Steer it, Clear it.”
Oatley Vigmond represents injured individuals in their claims against insurance companies. Oatley Vigmond can be reached at (705) 726-9021 or 1-888-662-2481.