4 Steps Drivers Should Take to Prevent Car Accidents

 Posted on January 13, 2020 in Car Accident

Whether you are a driver, bicyclist, pedestrian, or motorcyclist, every time you venture out onto the open road, you are at risk for accidents and injuries. It is important to remember that everyone shares the same roadways and has the same rights by law. Depending on your mode of transportation, however, you may have different disadvantages that make you more susceptible to injury in a collision. Whether you are involved in a car accident or a motorcycle accident or have been struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, you should be sure to understand your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries. It is also important to understand the steps drivers and others on the road should take to decrease the chances of a collision, since failure to follow the proper safety procedures can lead to a driver being held liable for the injuries and damages that are caused in an accident.

Proactive Steps Drivers Should Take to Avoid Accidents

1. Practice the three- to four-second rule - This classic defensive driving technique exists for a reason -- it is proven to work. Drivers should be sure that they are following the vehicle in front of them at a safe speed and distance, and they can do so by counting to three or four seconds to measure the time needed to reach the same point on the highway that a vehicle in front of them has passed. Using this technique will help drivers maintain a safe pace while driving and allow adequate time to brake suddenly if a vehicle slows down or stops unexpectedly.

2. Be prepared to act quickly - One of the biggest keys to driving defensively, regardless of the type of vehicle a person is driving, is to scan one's surroundings and prepare a plan of action for any emergencies that could arise. Drivers need a game plan for how and where to maneuver if they need to move out of the way quickly and avoid a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian. Drivers should always pay attention to how many lanes are on the roadway, when vehicles are merging or changing lanes, and the amount of shoulder room there is on each side of the highway.

3. Obey the rules - Drivers should always follow the rules of the road. In addition to obeying speed limits and traffic signals, it is also important for a driver to yield the right of way to vehicles and pedestrians in the proper situations. Failure to obey these rules can not only result in costly traffic tickets, but it can cause accidents that result in serious injuries to other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. 

4. Pay close attention to the road - Drivers need to remain fully aware of everything going on around their vehicle. Any distractions that take a person's attention away from the act of driving can lead to dangerous collisions. Even a momentary lapse can cause drivers to fail to see a pedestrian or merging vehicle or react in time to a motorcycle that is changing lanes or swerving around a pothole. Distracted driving is not only against the law, but it can result in deadly accidents and injuries.

Contact an Arlington Heights Car Accident Attorney

Despite your best efforts to protect yourself from harm while driving, you cannot control what other motorists do on the road. If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is imperative to speak with a qualified Schaumburg personal injury lawyer right away to ensure your rights are protected in a court of law. The skilled legal team at Newland & Newland LLP will carefully review the details of your accident to determine liability and help you understand your options for seeking compensation. Call our office today at 847-797-8000 to schedule a free phone consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/share-road-its-everyones-responsibility

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/driving-safety.html