How to be a Safe Driver
Preventing an accident is a lot better than being in one. Auto accident victims not only face the possibility of serious injury, permanent disability or disfigurement, but also tremendous financial and emotional strain. There is also the hassle of dealing with insurance companies and mountains of paperwork. If you consider the problems and challenges you will be faced with in the aftermath of a car accident, you will see great value in being a safe driver and in doing everything you possibly can to prevent a car accident. Here are some ways to be a safe driver.
- Make sure your eyes and your attention are on the road. Do not talk on the cell phone (even if you have a hands-free device), do not text, do not shave or do not apply makeup when you are behind the wheel. Your hands need to be firmly planted on the wheel and your attention must be on the road at all times. Without that, you will be unable to take evasive action if the need arises or may even end up causing the accident yourself.
- Before getting in your car and driving away, do a simple safety check. Turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle to ensure that all lights are in working order. Inspect your blinkers for proper operation. Watch for any fluid leaks. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- A majority of car accidents happen at intersections. While stopping at a stop sign, spell S-T-O-P before proceeding. Whether it's a stop sign or a traffic light, look left, then right and left again before proceeding through the intersection. Notice all the vehicles at the intersection and make sure that no one is about to run a light.
- Observe the speed limit.
- Always use turn signals.
- Never drink and drive. Be aware of what drugs – over the counter or prescription – you take. Read the instructions and warnings. If the drug is supposed to make you drowsy, do not drive.
- Always use your seatbelt. Never start your car without getting buckled up first.
- Keep your eyes moving, Always notice what is happening on the sides of the roadway and check behind you through your rear- and side-view mirrors every 6 to 8 seconds.
- When traveling behind other vehicles, you should leave at least a four-second space between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Be extra careful in inclement weather such as rain or snow. Slow down in such situations. In severe weather conditions, avoid driving if you can.
- Avoid "blind spots," especially with large vehicles such as trucks or buses. Remember, if you cannot see the driver's rear-view mirrors, they can't see you. Also remember that big rigs make large right turns.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, please contact the skilled and knowledgeable Seattle car accident lawyers at The Bernard Law Group for a free and comprehensive consultation.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON - CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
