No one ever expects to be in an accident, but the unfortunate reality is that they do happen. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 6 million accidents occur each year in the United States. Of those 6 million accidents, over 37,000 result in fatalities. That’s why it’s so important to always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions while driving. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that will help you stay safe in traffic.
1. Don’t drive under the influence
To stay safe in traffic, this one is a no-brainer. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea. Not only is it illegal, but it significantly increases your chances of being involved in an accident. If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a designated driver. This way, you can avoid getting behind the wheel while impaired. For instance, if you’re at a party, hand your keys over to a friend or family member who can drive you home safely. Also, be sure to never get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
2. Wear your seatbelt
This is such an important tip, yet so many people still choose not to wear their seatbelts. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the easiest ways to stay safe while driving. It only takes a few seconds to buckle up, but it could save your life in the event of an accident. So, make sure you and all your passengers are properly restrained before hitting the road. This will help to reduce the risk of serious injuries in the event of a collision. It will also help to keep you from being ejected from the vehicle, which is one of the most dangerous things that can happen in an accident. For example, if you’re involved in a rollover accident, not wearing a seatbelt would increase the likelihood of being ejected from the vehicle.
3. Once involved in an accident, call an accident lawyer
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, the first thing you should do is call an experienced accident lawyer. An accident lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you live in California, car accident lawyers in California will deal with the insurance companies on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. In addition, an accident lawyer can help to investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to call a lawyer who can help. This is very important in order to get the best possible outcome for your case.
4. Drive defensively
One of the best ways to stay safe on the road is to drive defensively. This means being aware of your surroundings and anticipating what other drivers might do. For instance, if you see a car swerving in and out of its lane, don’t assume that the driver is just having a bad day. It’s possible that the driver could be under the influence or distracted. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to give the car a wide berth and not try to pass it. Also, be sure to use your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns so that other drivers are aware of your intentions. By driving defensively, you can help avoid potential accidents.
5. Keep your car in good working condition
It’s important to keep your car in good working condition. This means regularly checking your tires, brakes, and fluids. You should also have your car inspected by a mechanic at least once a year. By keeping your car in good shape, you can help to avoid breakdowns and accidents. This is especially important if you’re going to be driving in bad weather conditions. For example, if you know that a winter storm is coming, you should make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread. You should also have your car’s battery tested to ensure that it’s in good working condition. By taking these simple steps, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
6. Follow the rules of the road
This may seem like a no-brainer, but so many accidents happen because people choose to ignore the rules of the road. For instance, speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents. By driving at a safe speed and obeying posted speed limits, you can help to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. You should also follow other basic rules of the road, such as coming to a complete stop at stop signs and using your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns. This will help to make sure that other drivers are aware of your intentions and can avoid potential accidents.
7. Avoid distractions while driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. This is because it’s difficult to pay attention to the road when you’re also trying to do other things. For instance, if you’re texting while driving, you’re not giving your full attention to the road. This can lead to serious accidents. It’s important to avoid all distractions while driving, including talking on the phone, eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio. For example, if you need to make a phone call, pull over to the side of the road first. Or you can wait until you reach your destination to eat or drink.
Following these simple tips can help to keep you safe on the road. Remember, accidents can happen to anyone at any time. By being aware of your surroundings and following the rules of the road, you can help to avoid potential accidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to call a lawyer who can help. An experienced lawyer will be able to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Hopefully, by following these tips, you can stay safe on the road and avoid being involved in an accident.