Preventing car accidents is the duty of every driver on the road. Negligent drivers can cause accidents and injuries, but you can avoid being involved in one with some smart driving. Learn these defensive driving tips to help you prevent a car accident.
Think about safety first. Avoiding aggressive driving habits will make you a safer driver, and can make you more aware of other drivers’ actions. Wear your seat belt, check your blind spots often, and leave space between you and the car in front of you.
Be aware of your surroundings. Routinely check your mirrors and other blind spots while driving. Scan the road ahead for hazards, and watch out for pedestrians, animals, or cars on the side of the road that could pose a threat. Watch for drivers who are driving erratically or recklessly, and keep your distance.
Do not depend on other drivers. Do not count on other drivers to drive safely. Expect them to make mistakes, and plan for the worst-case scenario. Driving defensively requires you to react to others’ actions, so prepare to do so.
Maintain a safe follow distance. Obey the 3- or 4-second rule of following. This means it should take you 3-4 seconds to pass a stationary object after the vehicle in front of you does. Increase this distance in poor weather, at night, or during heavy traffic.
Keep your speed down. In good conditions, the speed limit is the fastest you should drive. In conditions that are less than perfect, you should reduce your speed. Doing so allows you to have more time to react to hazards, and allows for better control.
Have a way out. Make sure you maintain enough space to have a place to go should something happen. Keeping escape routes available gives you a chance to steer around trouble. Know which way you’ll turn should something happen directly in front of you.
Eliminate distractions. Texting, eating, talking on the phone, changing the radio, and other similar actions can distract you from the road ahead of you. Keep your attention on the road, and wait until you are stopped to handle other things.
Even the best drivers can be involved in an accident when a careless driver causes one. If you have been injured due to a negligent driver, you deserve top-quality legal representation from our Dallas car accident lawyers. Contact the Dallas personal injury lawyers at Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.