A bad driving habit can lead to many issues on the road. From traffic citations to car accidents, a bad driving habit can spell disaster for not only you but other drivers as well. When we’re not paying attention, we pose a danger to not only ourselves but to others on the road, too. After a car accident, the first order of business is to contact a personal injury attorney.
Here Are Driving Tips That Shouldn’t Be Neglected:
- Practice Regularly
Driving is an activity that many people take for granted. After all, driving is a skill that takes years of training to master, and most of us take driving for granted until we’re forced off the road by the consequences of unsafe driving. Like any other skill, driving requires regular practice to stay sharp, and one of the best ways to remain sharp is to review the driving tips that you should always follow.
- Avoid Distractions and Focus on The Road
Any seasoned driver knows the importance of avoiding distractions on the road. And while this has become common knowledge, there are certainly some drivers who still neglect their focus while driving. While smart drivers know how to stay focused, others who lack experience on the road sometimes find themselves putting their phones or other devices down in order to answer a call or respond to a message. Regrettably, these seemingly innocent actions can lead to catastrophic accidents, resulting in injuries or even fatalities for other road users. In such situations, the consequences can extend beyond physical harm. Those responsible for causing accidents may find themselves facing legal trouble. During these challenging times, seeking the assistance of an auto accident lawyer can be necessary. Skilled legal experts like this auto accident lawyer Detroit, or a similar attorney in their area can provide the necessary guidance, offering support to navigate the complex legal processes associated with the accident.
- Never Drive Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Driving tips should never be overlooked, and there are several that should not be neglected. First, never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It’s as simple as that. The CDC reports that car accident is the leading cause of death among teens. Alcohol is a factor in at least 30 percent of all fatal car crashes. Also, statistics show that that number is constantly rising. Driving under the influence of any substance is extremely dangerous and reckless. If you’re driving late at night, it’s also important to be on the lookout for these kinds of reckless drivers, to avoid being hit. If you get into an accident because of a drunk driver, you can contact Fletcher Law Injury Lawyers (or lawyers from a similar firm) to press charges against them and negotiate a settlement for your injuries. That being said, it’s important to stay safe on the road and not indulge in any activity that could affect your driving.
- Keep Safety Equipment in the Car
It is essential to keep safety equipment in the car at all times because unforeseen accidents or emergencies can occur on the road, and having the necessary equipment readily available can mean the difference between life and death. Items such as first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, reflective triangles, and basic tools can provide immediate assistance in case of a breakdown or accident. Additionally, having safety gloves from a reputed brand like Unigloves (or something similar) can be very useful in case some tinkering needs to be done while on the go. Furthermore, seatbelts and airbags, which are integral safety components in the vehicle, need to be maintained and used correctly to protect occupants in the event of a collision. By ensuring the presence and functionality of safety equipment, individuals enhance their preparedness and ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations, promoting road safety for all.
- Don’t Hit Pedestrians
Accidents involving pedestrians occur frequently and are often tragic. Pedestrians have little protection against fast-moving cars and trucks, and when one of these crashes occurs, it can have devastating consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2012, 4,743 pedestrians died in pedestrian accidents in the United States, while another 49,000 were injured. These numbers do not include the many pedestrians injured who luckily survived. These accidents might also lead to legal consequences since the injured person can file a case against the car owner with the help of a personal injury lawyer (learn more about the process here). In these situations, the pedestrian can ask for compensation for the medical expenses, mental and physical harm, as well as loss of earnings.
- Wear Your Seatbelt
Just because you’re driving doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buckle up. Seat belts save lives, and when worn properly, they reduce the risk of serious injuries to 85%. It’s one of the essential pieces of safety equipment in every car. But seatbelts aren’t just for preventing crashes: they save your life in the event of an emergency. So, be sure to buckle up each and every time you get behind the wheel. Wearing a seatbelt is proven to help reduce serious crash injuries by 50%. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that seatbelts have saved an estimated 13 million lives since 1968.
- Check And Adjust Your Tire Pressure Regularly
Most people check tire pressure when the tires are cold, but that’s actually not the best practice. You should check tire pressure ASAP after parking your car. That’s because most tires start to lose their air pressure at around 5 to 10 psi. Of course, that pressure loss is most noticeable in warmer weather since heat tends to expand the air in your tire. However, underinflated tires can lose air pressure even faster.
- Use Your Windshield Wipers During Snow and Ice Storms.
Snow and ice increase the chances of an accident, and when not yielding to oncoming traffic, drivers can find themselves sliding into the curb or another vehicle. To prevent an accident, drivers should use their wipers frequently, particularly in snowy and icy conditions. While driving, drivers should turn their wipers on at a steady rate and be sure to use both the on and off buttons. In snow and sleet, drivers should turn their wipers on more frequently, as they should in heavy rain.
If there’s one thing common between every driver out there, it’s the fact that we all get behind the wheel at some point. And whether we drive every day, once a week, or rarely, we all must share the road with everyone else. But just because we all share the road doesn’t mean that we share the same driving habits. In fact, some drivers out there are so reckless and negligent that they make other drivers seem like angels in comparison. Driving is a skill that many of us take for granted, but our vehicles aren’t perfect. Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s important to know the right steps to take. And when you drive responsibly, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a crash.