According to U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2015, there were 32,166 fatal motor vehicle crashes across the country, resulting in 35,092 deaths. Hundreds of thousands more were hospitalized for injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. Oftentimes, many of the injuries sustained in such incidents can have long-term consequences on a survivor and his or her family. Unfortunately, accidents on the road are largely caused by driver error and are generally preventable. The good news is that there are ways in which we can all participate to help prevent such terrible accidents from occurring by simply observing certain safety rules and precautions.
Following these safety tips might save a life, so take a moment to read them and learn how you can help make the roads safer for everyone:
- Do not drive while buzzed: Most of us understand that drunk driving is an incredibly dangerous act that can not only end up with you in handcuffs, but might cost your life and the lives of others. However, many people tend to underestimate the dangers of buzzed driving and continue to get behind the wheel after having knocked back a couple of drinks. Just because you are not legally drunk does not mean your judgment is not impaired, so remember to always have a plan to get home safely if you plan on drinking. Nowadays, with all the ridesharing options available, there is absolutely no excuse for getting behind the wheel after having had even one drink.
- Do not engage in distracted driving: Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents on the road. While many often associate cell phone use with distracted driving, it is not the only form of this dangerous habit. Grooming, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, allowing a pet to sit on your lap, using a GPS navigation device, or even simply paying too much attention to the beautiful sunset as you drive home from work are all forms of distracted driving. In fact, any activity that takes your mind or attention away from the road could easily result in a disastrous accident. When you are behind the wheel, always keep your focus on driving. Everything else can wait.
- Do not speed: Speed limits are set for a reason. When a driver chooses to exceed the posted speed limit he or she is breaking the law, putting others at risk, and even consuming more fuel. Not surprisingly, speeding is one of the major causes of motor vehicle accidents in the country. The faster you go, the less time you have to react and maneuver around unexpected obstacles on the road, other vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians, increasing your chances of a fatal accident. Do your part to keep others safe, save yourself the cost of a speeding ticket and money on gas by simply driving within the posted speed limit.
- Be alert in parking lots: Parking lots are chaotic places where people are often so focused on finding a space to park in that they fail to pay attention to their surroundings. Children are especially difficult to spot in parking lots and many often dart between cars in an instant. If you are backing up without looking, you can easily hit someone, causing severe or even fatal injuries. Stay alert in parking lots and be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Do not tailgate other drivers: You should always leave at least a three-second cushion between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. People tend to tailgate and speed when they are late and in a hurry to reach their destination, so instead of putting yourself in a position where you feel compelled to drive recklessly, plan ahead of time, so that you are able to make it on time for your plans without having to put yourself or others at risk. Even if no one ends up hurt, accidents are never fun for anyone and certainly will not help you arrive anywhere on time.
- Always scan ahead: Not only should you be aware of your immediate surroundings, but you should also scan at least twelve seconds ahead. Drivers who look ahead are less likely to be taken by surprise by unexpected incidents or obstacles on the road. When driving on the highway, stay positioned far enough from other drivers so that, if someone unexpectedly swerves or stops, you can avoid them.
- Be courteous to other drivers: Remember that you are sharing the road and everyone has an obligation to one another to drive safely. Treat others with respect and always report any suspicious driving activity to the authorities. It could save someone’s life.
Skilled Car Accident Attorneys in Morristown
Motor vehicle accidents happen all the time and, when they do, the consequences can reverberate through the lives of survivors and their families in unimaginably difficult ways. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, you have a right to pursue fair compensation. The Terry Law Firm is one of Morristown’s most distinguished law firms, known for the high-quality legal counsel and individualized client service we are committed to providing. Our legal team will fight to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions and work toward achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Regardless of the extent or type of injury you suffered, we believe you deserve to be compensated. No one should have to bear the burden of paying for someone else’s mistakes.
Contact our office today at (423) 586-5800 to schedule a free consultation.
