10 Driving Safety Tips from a Sugar Land Car Accident Attorney
In 2021 4,489 people were killed in car accidents on Texas roadways. Many of these accidents could have been avoided with safe driving practices. Below is a list of ten safe driving tips.
1. Avoid Distractions
In 2021, approximately one in five accidents on Texas roadways were caused by a distracted driver. Distracted driving includes any activity that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel and eyes off the road, including texting, eating, applying makeup, or even adjusting the radio. You should always give driving your full attention and pull off the road if you need to use your cell phone.
2. Do Not Drink and Drive
Driving under the influence reduces coordination and reaction time. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2021, there were 323 accidents on Fort Bend county roadways involving alcohol. 24% of all traffic death in Texas were caused by drunk driving. Most of these accidents could have been avoided if the driver had not gotten behind the wheel drunk. If you have been drinking, call a sober friend or Uber. Buzzed driving is still drunk driving.
3. Be Aware of Blind Spots
You should avoid driving in another driver’s blind spot. If you do enter a blind spot to pass another vehicle, be aware that the other driver will not be able to see you.
4. Do Not Drive Tired
Driving while drowsy can have deadly consequences. A sleeping driver can drift off the road or into oncoming traffic. Even just zoning out for a few seconds can lead to disaster. On long drives, be prepared to take breaks every few hours. If you are feeling tired or groggy, pull over and rest. Do not try to fight through it.
5. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Maintaining a safe following distance gives you enough time to react if the car ahead of you makes a sudden stop or turn. We recommend that drivers use the three-second rule. Pick a stationary object, for example, a traffic sign. When the car ahead of you passes the sign, start counting. Three seconds should pass before your vehicle passes the same sign. At night or in inclement weather, you should leave even more space.
6. Use Caution When Changing Lanes
Dangerous behavior (i.e., not using turn signals or cutting in front of another driver) when changing lanes often causes accidents. Following the rules of the road when making lane changes will significantly reduce the risk of an accident.
7. Don’t Speed
Speeding may save you a minute or two, but it will greatly increase the risk that you getting into an accident. You should obey the posted speed limits. Driving at the appropriate speed makes it easier to maneuver your vehicle through turns and gives you the necessary time to react to other drivers and adverse conditions. If you are worried about getting somewhere on time, leave earlier.
8. Practice Defensive Driving
Even if you are driving below the speed limit and following all traffic rules, someone else can still crash into you. It is important to protect yourself from aggressive drivers. Safely get out of their way and avoid challenging them. Be prepared for an aggressive driver to make unpredictable lane changes or sudden stops.
9. Wear Your Seatbelt
In 2021, 1,226 unbuckled drivers and passengers died on Texas roadways. Their lives may have been saved if they had been wearing seat belts. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying in an accident by 45% for people in the front seat of passenger cars. A seat belt prevents drivers and passengers from being thrown around the inside of the vehicle or even ejected from the car. Even a low-speed accident can send an unbuckled driver into the dashboard or window, causing head injuries or broken bones.
10. Perform Routine Maintenance
Accidents are not always caused by driver error. Vehicle issues such as improper tire pressure or worn-out brake pads can cause accidents. Routine maintenance ensures that you address car repair issues before they lead to an accident.
Your Fort Bend Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were in a car accident, you should reach out to a qualified Fort Bend County attorney as soon as possible. Adam Capetillo is top Sugar Land car accident attorney serving Fort Bend County and who will evaluate your case and provide the best possible representation. As a skilled personal injury lawyer, Adam Capetillo can effectively guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Call Capetillo Law Firm today for a free consultation.
