Tips to Help You Get to Your Destination Safely
No one wants to get into an accident, and we want to help you prevent it from happening. For many years, we’ve helped the area’s car accident victims get their lives back together every day. We know the damage these accidents inflict, so take it from us: do your best to avoid being involved in one.
It’s not only common sense to prevent accidents and injuries, it’s a good idea legally. Under Kentucky’s comparative negligence law, the greater your share of the accident’s cause, the lower your compensation for your injuries. If, despite all your efforts to drive safely, you’re the victim of a negligent driver, your good driving habits should be rewarded with a larger recovery.
Here are some ideas on how you can drive safely and avoid getting into an accident.
Don’t Be a Jerk
We’ve all seen them, and maybe we are one once in a while, but the best way to avoid an accident is not to cause one. Don’t speed, tailgate, ignore stop signs or red lights, illegally pass another vehicle, weave in and out of lanes, or drive while intoxicated. Slow down when it’s dark and driving conditions aren’t good. If you’re too tired or emotionally upset to drive safely, don’t drive.
Another problem with being a jerk while driving is what can happen when you encounter another jerk behind the wheel – road rage. This can cause an accident with someone trying to get somewhere safely, minding their own business, who is in the way of your childish driving temper tantrum.
Unless You’re Passing Someone, Avoid the Fast or Passing Lane
If you’re on a state highway or interstate with at least two lanes on each side, stay out of the passing lane whenever possible. There’s a chance a jerk will drive much faster than you, approach you from behind, and the other lane may be occupied. They’ll either tailgate you or, if they’re intoxicated or asleep, rear-end you.
If there are three or more lanes, the center allows you more “escape routes” if an accident happens on either side or in front of you. You will be better able to steer around the accident and avoid being involved with it.
If you’re in the right lane, you’ll have to deal with vehicles getting on and off the highway. But if, for whatever reason, you’re traveling slower than the rest of the traffic, stay out of the way and keep to the right.
Look Far Ahead
You need to keep an eye on the vehicles immediately in front of you and to the side of you, but when possible, look ahead into the distance. You might see traffic lights changing color, a sudden traffic stoppage, or an obstacle in the roadway. You’ll have more time and distance to react to these circumstances safely.
Beware of Blind Spots
Side-swipe accidents are dangerous because they could lead to total vehicle control loss. If you’re going fast enough, you or the other vehicle could spin out of control or end up on its roof. If you have a newer car, you may have a blind spot warning system. It should alert you to vehicles in your blind spot if you signal or steer into their lane.
You should properly adjust your rearview mirrors to see as much as possible. If you don’t have a warning system, purchase small convex mirrors you can attach to your outer mirrors or replace the interior with a wide-angle rearview mirror. These don’t cost much and would be worth more than their weight in gold if they help you prevent an accident.
Does the Vehicle Near You Look Like It’s Been in an Accident?
If so, it may be more than bad luck. That driver may have made mistakes that caused all those dents, and they may make them again. Given the damage already done, they may not care if they cause another accident. If a vehicle is in terrible shape, something may fall off it, creating a crash risk. Stay away from these vehicles or safely and quickly pass them.
Keep Your Vehicle Maintained
Don’t own the car that others avoid. Stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and fix things as needed. Replace tires and brakes when they’re worn. Preventing accidents isn’t just about driving skills and avoiding mistakes. You must have a reasonably safe vehicle, or you might cause an accident.
What are Your Vehicle’s Limits?
How well does your car drive? Does it handle well enough for you to drive around another vehicle instead of hitting it? Can you quickly and safely pass another vehicle, or will it take a while, leaving you more exposed to a sideswipe? Is it heavy and difficult to stop? Does it have a high center of gravity, making it more likely to flip over? You must know your vehicle’s limitations and drive accordingly to drive it safely.
Use Seat Belts
They won’t prevent an accident, but they could save your life if you’re involved in one. Even with airbag restraints (which are designed with the assumption you’ll use seat belts), in an accident, you could be tossed around the vehicle’s interior. If you’re in a crash, not using seat belts, and ejected from your car by the accident’s force, you probably won’t survive.
Speak To a Satterley & Kelley, PLLC Car Accident Attorney Today
If someone else’s negligent driving causes your injury or kills a family member, Satterley & Kelley PLLC is here to help. We will be with you every step of the way, protecting your best interests and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
To take advantage of a free initial consultation where you can discuss what happened and your legal rights, call our office in Louisville toll-free at 855-385-9532. You may also complete our contact form if it’s more convenient.