Car accidents are no joke. Not only can they cause serious damage and bodily injury, even a fender bender can ruin your day. While poor weather conditions can contribute to car accidents, many crashes are caused by bad driving and inattentive drivers. Before you get behind the wheel, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind that can help you avoid a car accident, today.
Avoiding the “Fast Lane”
Driving in the “fast lane” or passing lane can make many drivers uncomfortable. How many times has someone tailgated you in the fast lane, pushing you to drive faster – usually in excess of the speed limit? Even if you do feel comfortable driving in the fast lane, you should avoid it due to the careless driving of others. Also, by driving in the center lane, you have more escape routes in the event of an emergency or collision up ahead.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
While this may seem obvious, over 30% of car accidents are caused by distracted and inattentive drivers. In addition to focusing on the road ahead, you should always be aware of what’s to your right, left and even behind you while driving. Pedestrians and cyclists can come out of nowhere or may be crossing the street, motorcyclists often try to lane split between vehicles in traffic, and awareness of a tailgater or accident behind you can enable you to take evasive action.
Maintaining Your Vehicle
Properly maintaining your vehicle is extremely important. If your brake lights do not work, then the person driving behind you may not realize you are stopping which can cause a rear-end collision. Similarly, it is critical to have your brakes regularly inspected. If you cannot stop your vehicle, then you will undoubtedly cause an accident by hitting another driver or pedestrian in the roadway. You should also ensure that your tires have enough tread and are periodically rotated, and that your oil is changed regularly.
Judge A Car By Its Cover
If you notice that a driver’s car is in poor condition, meaning it has multiple dents, maybe the lights are held together by tape or it has a plastic bag for a window, this is a good indicator of a poor driver. While you can’t force this driver off the road, try to avoid driving near them or leave more distance between you and their vehicle.
Know The Vehicle You’re Driving
It is always important to know the vehicle you are driving. Different cars and trucks have different blind spots, different rates of acceleration and different stopping times. By familiarizing yourself with the car you are driving, you will be able to avoid accidents and make evasive maneuvers in the event of an emergency.
By following these simple tips, you are far more likely to avoid a car accident on the road – keeping you and your family safe.
However, if you are in an accident, it is always best to hire an attorney to represent you – especially if you have sustained injures. An attorney can help you to maximize your recovery and better defend you against liability if you’re at fault. The personal Injury attorneys at Murphy & Garner, LLC have decades of experience in auto accident cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call the associates at Murphy & Garner today for a free consultation at 678-563-1584.
