Car accidents are costly. In addition to needing to repair your car, you can suffer serious bodily injuries that can leave you laid up at home for months. It is probably best to avoid getting into a collision in the first place, which is easier on your body—and your wallet.
As experienced car accident attorneys, we want to encourage safe driving. Below, you will find several tips that should get you and your car to your destination all in one piece.
Look Ahead
EHS Today has many helpful tips on their website, but this is one that we like the best. As you drive, scan 12 seconds ahead. This allows you to see a potential accident waiting to happen—a vehicle backing out into the road, a ball rolling into the road, etc. Because you are looking this far ahead, you should be able to easily brake in time.
Don’t Text and Drive
Distracted driving is a serious problem, and it isn’t hard to see why. Driving demands your full attention. If you are looking down at a phone to read a text, then you are not focused on driving. Also, trying to tap out a text takes one hand away from the steering wheel, which only compounds the problem.
Put your phone away. Shove it in the glove compartment box or lock it in the trunk so you won’t be tempted to take it out.
Avoid Drinking and Driving
This should be easy. Public service announcements have warned us for decades not to get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. Even one drink might be one too many. Instead, call a cab or Uber or have a designated driver for the evening.
Yield the Right of Way
People are in a hurry all the time, and they refuse to yield the right of way. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Always let traffic merge if you can safely do so by pulling into the other lane or slowing down. Also wait for traffic to clear an intersection before barreling through.
Yielding the right of way is key in parking lots as well. Many fender benders happen because a motorist tries to scoot past another vehicle backing up.
Look Over Your Shoulder
If you are backing up or passing a vehicle on the highway, you should physically look over your shoulder. This way, you can check any blind spots. Relying only on mirrors is risky. Many people do not have their mirrors properly, and you won’t see someone in your blind spot.
Avoid Road Rage
If you start feeling yourself getting angry because someone cut you off, then take immediate action to cool down. Remind yourself that the person probably didn’t intend to cut you off, and turn on some calming music, if necessary.
We recommend laughing it off. Even when you are angry, forcing yourself to laugh can put you in a good mood.
The Car Accident Attorneys to Call
Not everyone takes traffic safety as seriously as we do. If someone slams into you, causing injuries, you need an experienced Grand Junction auto accident attorney in your corner. Contact Cimarron Ridge Legal Group today. We can discuss your options if you schedule a free consultation with us.