Auto accidents represent a leading cause of death and injury in the state of Florida, especially among drivers aged 18-34. As we head into the holiday season and expect more people on the road, motorists should be cognizant of the dangers that exist when driving.
While we cannot make other people operate their vehicles more competently, each motorist has the opportunity and responsibility to be a safe driver. Here are some tips that should help to minimize accidents on the roads.
Follow These Safe Driving Tips
While most of these safe driving tips are intuitive and commonly known, it never hurts to refresh your memory.
1. Never drive when drunk: Of course this is a well-known fact, but during the holidays it is especially important. Even one drink can impair your driving, and if you cause an accident you could face serious legal implications. If you are planning to have any alcohol at all at the company party or your family dinner, be sure to designate a driver. Of course, these days you can arrange a ride with your phone!
2. Don’t speed: Although many people do not see much harm in pushing up and over the speed limit, even a little extra speed can be the difference between stopping on time – or not. In the Sarasota area, not only are roads crowded, but they are often filled with tourists and visitors who don’t know the area. By paying attention to posted speed limits, you can keep everyone safer.
3. Always wear your seatbelt: The CDC reports that seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury by 50% , and the risk of death by 45%. This means that one of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to buckle up every time you are behind the wheel.
4. Be defensive: As stated, we can’t control anyone else’s driving skills. But you can make sure that you are aware of those driving around you, yield when they are attempting to come into your lane. and slow down if the traffic is heavy.
5. Be more careful in bad weather: While we don’t have to worry about snow and ice, rainstorms can come up out of nowhere and be quite severe. Slow down, follow laws regarding the use of headlights, and give people around you plenty of space. A car traveling at high speed can slide across the surface of a wet highway, and driving rain can cause a rapid decrease in visibility. Slow down and stay safe.
6. Keep up the maintenance your vehicle: When a mechanical problem happens at 70 miles per hour, it can cause a big problem and a major accident. Keeping your car properly maintained can’t guarantee that nothing will ever happen, it will minimize your chances of a malfunction that could not only cause injury to you, but to those driving around you.
7. Be sure to avoid distractions: Everyone knows you shouldn’t text and drive, but all types of distractions can cause accidents. From eating snacks to calling your mom, anything which steals your attention can be dangerous. Keep distractions to a minimum, and concentrate on the cars around you.
8. Stay awake: With so many holiday events, and so many people to see and visit with, you may be driving a lot more than normal. Make sure you are well rested, and not overly tired from an overcrowded schedule. Driving while drowsy causes nearly as many accidents as driving drunk, as the impairments are similar.
If you have been involved in an auto accident and feel you need a personal injury lawyer, call the attorneys of Probinsky & Cole. We specialize in auto accidents and all aspects of personal injury law.
