Every year, people from all over the country come to Ocean County to vacation with friends and family. While tourism is vital to this area, it can create some complications and frustrations for residents.
For instance, between spring break and summer vacation, we are heading into the most popular time to travel to Ocean County. Thus, we are about to start sharing the roads with more out-of-towners. Unfortunately, this means that you could be at a higher risk of getting into an accident with a driver who does not live in New Jersey.
Risk factors for out-of-state drivers
Being from out of town does not make someone an unsafe or bad driver. However, some factors can make a tourist motorist a potential threat to other road users.
- Unfamiliar with the area: Someone who is lost, trying to read a map or confused can make unsafe decisions while driving. They might drift out of their lane, make an illegal turn or drive too slowly, putting other drivers in danger.
- Tired from a long road trip: Driving for a long time can make people drowsy. Their reflexes can slow down, and they might even fall asleep.
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Vacationers may drink or use drugs more heavily and frequently than they would at home. These substances impair judgment and make people very dangerous if they get behind the wheel.
- Inexperienced on New Jersey roads: Traffic laws vary between states and countries. Everything from speed limits to rules for using a cellphone while driving can differ from someone’s home state. If people are unfamiliar with the rules here, they can be inadvertently breaking the law and putting others at risk.
- Distracted: Tourist drivers who are more focused on seeing the sights or checking for nearby restaurants on their phones can be highly distracted. This lack of focus on the road makes them a considerable threat to others’ safety.
If a driver causes a car crash for any of these reasons, they can be held accountable by injured parties. While tourists may not live here, they are responsible for their actions when they visit.