How do I stay safe while driving?
Summer is the perfect time for a family vacation or road trip with friends. Whether you’re planning on staying local or leaving Oklahoma or Arkansas for your vacation, take these road safety tips into consideration before you take off.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the months of June through October see the highest number of fatal car accidents in the US than any other time of the year. No matter where you’re headed, our car accident lawyers want you to stay safe.
Take a look at our top 7 safety tips so that you and your family get to your destination without incident. And if you do end up in an accident, be sure to reach out to an attorney who is an expert in car accidents and Personal Injury so that you and your family are treated fairly.
1. BE EXTRA CAREFUL AT NIGHT AND DURING BAD WEATHER
For many people, it’s harder to see clearly at night. Even with your high-beams on, visibility is limited to about 500 feet, and the surrounding darkness can affect your depth perception and peripheral vision. Nighttime is also when teens, tired drivers, and intoxicated people may be on the road, so pay extra attention when you drive after sundown.
Additionally, driving in inclement weather dramatically increases your chances of having a car wreck. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are nearly 1,259,000 weather-related car accidents in the United States alone. 73% of these accidents occur on wet pavement, which is reason enough to be extra mindful while driving in the rain.
2. WATCH OUT FOR DISTRACTED DRIVERS
One of the biggest dangers on the road is a distracted driver. If a car near you is swerving, going way under the speed limit or taking a long time to realize the light is green, avoid driving near them. The driver may be texting, impaired or even falling asleep. In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,477 people in the United States were killed in distracted driving accidents. Keeping your focus on the road is a literal life-saver.
3. STAY IN THE RIGHT LANE
Most freeway collisions occur in the left lane, since that’s where people tend to speed. If you want to increase your chances of staying safe this summer, stick to the right lane. Not only are people more likely to drive the speed limit there, but you’re also closer to the shoulder in case you need to quickly get off the road.
4. BE AWARE OF PEDESTRIANS
Summer is also when more pedestrians are out due to the nice weather. People who are walking or riding a bike don’t always wear reflective clothing or stay on the crosswalks, so be alert, especially when you drive through areas that are popular places for people to walk or ride a bike. The same goes for motorcyclists—be alert and always check your blind spots before changing lanes or turning.
5. KEEP YOUR CAR WELL-MAINTAINED
Over 65,000 car accidents occur every year due to poor car maintenance. Make sure your brakes and tires are in great shape. Tune-ups, battery checks, and oil changes can keep your car running smoothly, which should reduce your odds of getting stranded on the side of the road.
If you end up in a collision and need a Personal Injury lawyer to represent you, come to Caddell Reynolds for help. We’ll give you a free case evaluation and the support you expect when you come to a car accident lawyer after a collision. Call Caddell Reynolds at 800-671-4100.
