Auto accidents happen. Even the best driver who is paying close attention to the road can be involved in an auto accident. Accidents generally involve two or more vehicles, meaning that you can be a victim of an auto accident, even if you are driving safely. Also, one little driving mistake can cause an auto accident and an injury to yourself, your passengers, or any other drivers on the road. Although auto accidents cannot be entirely prevented, there are things that drivers can do to prevent the likeliness of being involved in an auto accident.
Follow the rules of the road
The rules of the road are made for optimal safety conditions. If a road states a maximum driving speed, that speed is set because it was decided that was the safest driving speed on that specific road. Going over the set speed limit could make it more difficult to stop or can result in dangerous driving conditions with tight turns and narrow lanes. Drivers who follow speed limit signs, traffic lights, and other road signs tend to be safer drivers.
Pay complete attention to the road, at all times
This rule was never as much of a problem as it is today. Drivers today have more distractions than ever imagined. Vehicles are equipped with many functions, allowing you to change the radio stations and setting in your vehicle. Smart phones allow us to text or browse social media in a matter of seconds. The operation of these devices while driving can be extremely dangerous. In fact, they are one of the top contributors of auto accident claims today.
Approximately 67% of smartphone owners use their phone at least occasionally for turn by turn navigation while driving, with 31% saying that they do this frequently. Even a few seconds away from the road can result in an auto accident. Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while operating your device. When traveling at 55mph, that is enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. Keeping technological devices out of view can drastically increase the safety of your driving.
Drive safer on tough road conditions
Driving visibility can be reduced in dangerous weather conditions. Heavy rainfall or snowfall can make it more difficult to drive safely. When weather conditions make driving trickier, it is important to pay more attention to safety. Things like reducing driving speed and turning off the radio can actually help to reduce the chances of getting into an auto accident during these times. When the weather just makes it too difficult to drive, pull over and wait for it to let off.
Carry auto insurance at all times
Although auto insurance does not reduce your chances of being in an auto accident, it can protect you in the event that you are in one. Many auto accident attorney cases involve injuries sustained in an auto accident when the at fault driver did not carry insurance. When you do not carry auto insurance, the auto accident attorney can come after your personal liabilities. Without auto insurance, any disability that you sustain from an auto accident will also not be covered. Protect yourself with auto insurance.
Use legal representation when necessary
Attorneys are great resources for those who have been in serious auto accidents. They are also a great resource for those in minimal auto incidents. An auto accident attorney can protect your rights when the other driver was driving distracted or under the influence, both illegal acts. The auto accident lawyer can help with your personal injury case when the other driver does not have auto insurance. An auto accident attorney can be an invaluable resource.
Driving is much more dangerous than it once was. At any given moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving. That combined with high numbers of driving under the influence leads to more auto accidents. Although all auto accidents cannot be prevented, drivers can do things like pay attention to weather conditions, put away electronic devices, and carry auto insurance to protect themselves from an auto accident.
