Traffic accidents happen every day, and they can have devastating effects. According to Value Penguin, an expert auto insurance information source, 43% of car accidents result in injuries. These injuries from accidents can happen in a personal vehicle or a commercial one. To prevent needing a personal auto accident lawyer because of a vehicle collision, here are some ways you can avoid traffic accidents.
1. Follow the Speed Limit
The speed limit is enforced for a reason. Pay attention to speed limit signs as you drive on the highway or in residential areas. Respond accordingly when you need to slow down and speed up as needed to stay in tune with traffic. Remember, when you’re in a residential area, school zone, or work zone, you must slow down and be mindful of your surroundings. Unfortunately, many car accidents happen due to speeding, and those types of accidents are usually quite fatal.
2. Drive Well-Rested
Driving a vehicle is a major responsibility. You must not only manage your safety and that of your passengers, but you should also be mindful of other drivers on the road. That’s why you should never operate a car or truck while you’re tired. Falling asleep at the wheel makes a collision very likely. Many truck drivers end up falling asleep at the wheel because they are overscheduled and not given adequate breaks. An auto accident lawyer often has to handle cases that involve accidents occurring in this context.
3. Avoid Social Media
There is a time and a place to check your social media accounts. However, doing this while driving your car is never a good idea. Common phone habits must not become involved in your operation of a vehicle, as distracted driving can easily cause a collision. Make sure you silence or put your mobile device on Do Not Disturb before getting on the road.
4. Keep Both Hands on the Wheel
In many states, it’s illegal to drive without both hands placed on the wheel. Doing so reduces your ability to react quickly to sudden road events. Prioritizing this as a driving habit can only be done when you stop fiddling around with your phone, taking calls, checking social media updates, or eating food while you’re driving.
5. Don’t Tailgate Others
One of the main driving rules people should understand is to not tailgate. You’re supposed to maintain a reasonable distance behind other drivers so that both of you have enough time to stop without a collision. In the event that the driver in front of you suddenly brakes or a car unexpectedly cuts you off, you’ll be glad that you kept space between your car and the car ahead of you.
6. Lower the Music
There’s nothing like bopping and singing to your favorite music while driving on the road. Many people invest in their car audio systems for this exact reason. If you have a long commute, it can make things easier when you have your favorite radio station or music artist to listen to. However, be aware of how loudly you’re playing your music. When your music is too loud, it could go from helping your drive be more peaceful to becoming a detriment. Any type of distraction can make a traffic accident more likely. If you’re too distracted by your song, you may not notice an issue on the road or what other drivers are doing. While it’s vital to be aware of visual issues on the road, you should also stay tuned to problems that you might hear. For example, your car might be making noises that are letting you know it has transmission or engine problems. If your music is too loud, your hearing is hindered.
7. Drive Defensively
Driving defensively means driving sensibly. This driving style involves giving the proper signals when you’re about to change lanes or make a right turn. Always look at your rearview mirrors to see what’s going on around you. Lastly, remember to turn your hazard lights on when it’s dark or rainy. These techniques will improve your driving ability and help protect you from unforeseen incidents on the road.
As you can see, you have several ways to avoid a traffic accident on the road. If you’re in a situation where you’re injured while driving a commercial vehicle, you may need the help of an auto accident lawyer. For such legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Putnam Lieb Potvin Dalley today.