Attorney
It can be terrifying to be involved in a car crash. There are ways to prevent many of the collisions that happen every day on our streets and highways. In this blog, we will cover some of the top suggestions for how to avoid getting involved and injured in a car crash. You should always do what makes sense in your situation.
Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, you could still end up in a collision because of someone else’s carelessness. A DC personal injury attorney could handle your injury claim or lawsuit on your behalf. Here are 10 ways to prevent a car accident:
1. Avoid Blind Spots
Driving in someone else’s blind spot exposes you to a heightened risk of collision because they cannot see you. If they change lanes, you might not be visible in their mirrors. Blind spots are one of the leading causes of crashes.
2. Keep a Constant Lookout
Many dangers could happen in the blink of an eye. A car could pull out in front of you with no warning. A child could run into the street. A person could hit a pothole and fall off of their bicycle. If you are not looking for hazards, you might not notice one of these things happening until it’s too late.
3. Avoid Distractions
There are so many distractions when driving today, that it can be a struggle to maintain one’s attention on the road. Cell phones get a bad rap, but simply talking to your passengers, eating food, picking up something from the floor of the car, or changing the radio station could take your eyes off the road long enough to cause a crash.
4. Do Not Drive After Drinking
Alcohol is a substance that relaxes people by slowing down their minds and bodies. Even a small amount of alcohol could slow your reflexes and response time enough to prevent you from reacting quickly to avoid someone else’s careless behavior.
5. Be Careful When Driving After Taking Cold or Allergy Medicine
Cold or allergy medication can make a person drowsy, causing them to perform behind the wheel as badly as a drunk driver. You should check every medication you take, whether prescription, over-the-counter medications, or supplements, to find out how it can affect the human body.
6. Slow Down
Some people just drive too fast. They might not allow enough time to get where they need to go, like to work, and they could be late because of simply hitting too many red lights on their route. It is best to allow an extra 15 or 20 minutes for your daily commute, because you know that eventually there will be a delay.
7. Adjust the Driver’s Seat
Make sure that you adjust the driver’s seat to the proper position so that you can reach the steering wheel without having to hold your arms out. You should easily put your hands on the wheel with your elbows still bent. Also, make sure the driver seat is at the proper height. These suggestions are particularly important if you share the vehicle with another driver.
8. Keep Your Vehicle in Roadworthy Condition
A tire blowout could cause a horrific, multi-car collision. Not having working windshield wipers during a rainstorm or a blizzard could make for a perilous drive. You will want to keep your car well-maintained for your own safety and those who ride with you.
9. Be More Cautious When Driving at Night
Depth perception could be more of a challenge when driving at night. Also, with poor street lighting, you might not be able to see a pedestrian until the last second. It is best to look for hazards when driving at night.
10. Slow Down for Bad Weather
Bad weather poses a dual threat. The streets could be slick and hazardous. Also, the storm itself could make it difficult to drive safely. It is best to slow down to a safe speed for the conditions, regardless of a higher speed limit in the location.
A DC personal injury attorney could help you pursue the compensation you deserve if you got injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault. For help with your case contact our office today.