Top 10 Tips for Becoming a Safer Driver From A Car Accident Lawyer
Disclaimer: Please remember that as car accident attorneys, we are not driving instructors or experts who you should consult before implementing any of the suggested driving tips, below.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2006 there were 2,575,000 people injured in car accidents. 42,642 of these car accident injuries were fatal, Drunk driving/DUI was the cause of 40% of these deaths, and not wearing a seat belt was the cause of 59% of these deaths. In fact, the leading cause of death among people under the age of 40 is car accidents, or injuries related to car accidents.
While these numbers may be shocking, there are a number of steps you can take in order to help prevent from becoming involved in a car accident.
As experienced car accident lawyers, the following are what we consider some of the top “10 Safe Driving Tips”:
1. Avoid the “Fast Lane.” Most highway car accidents occur in the left lane, or fast lane, because this lane allows you the fewest escape routes, and the general speed of automobiles in this lane is much higher than in the middle or right lanes.
2. Keep your eyes scanning the area ahead. Be sure to look beyond the automobile directly in front of you, so that you have more time to react to a problem up ahead.
3. Beware of blind spots. Do not just rely on your mirrors. Always, be sure to look behind you and to your sides, especially when changing lanes. Also, be sure to keep in mind other drivers’ blind spots, especially larger vehicles such as commercial trucks, whose blind spots are much larger than those of the standard car.
4. Drive with your hands in the 9 and 3 o’clock position. Be careful not to fall into the common habit of driving with one hand or both hands at the bottom of the steering wheel. The 9-3 o’clock position allows you maximum control, enabling you to maneuver quickly and avoid a potential car accident.
5. Get racecar driver control of your wheel. This trick helps to prevent fatigue, which is a common cause of car accidents. Move your seat close enough to the steering wheel so that your wrist can rest comfortably on the top of the steering wheel with your back still resting against the seat back.
6. Judge a driver by his/her car’s condition. The care that people take in order to maintain their vehicle is often indicative of the care they take when driving as well. Also, be on the lookout for cars that are swerving or drivers who are preoccupied with cell phones or other distractions.
7. Know your car’s limits. Different cars handle in different ways. Be familiar with the condition of your brakes and tires especially. It is also good to be aware of your car’s turning radius as well.
8. Keep your car in good condition. Be sure to maintain regularly scheduled services and maintenance on your vehicle. This just ensures that you are taking the necessary steps to ensure your own as well as your passengers’ safety.
9. The nighttime is not the right time. While traveling at night may save you some time in traffic, there are a lot more safety hazards at night than during the daytime, such as smaller field of vision, and increased fatigue. Also, be sure to watch for an increased number of drunk/DUI and hazardous drivers at night.
10. Learn how to drive a racecar. While this advice may seem a little over the top, you will have the opportunity to practice car accident avoidance maneuvers and skid recovery in a safe, controlled environment. Both of these drills may prove life-saving in a potential car accident situation.
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