There were more than 32,000 fatal automobile crashes in the U.S. in 2015, an every year, an average of more than 37,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents. Advances in automobile safety technology have saved countless lives, but technology also has introduced more distractions on the road in the form of smartphones and other devices. Then you have to account for all the impaired drivers on the road. In 2015, more than 1 million drivers were arrested for a DUI involving drugs or alcohol, and that only accounts for the ones who were caught. Add it all up, and driving remains a dangerous proposition. To keep yourself safe on the road and avoid the need for a personal injury lawyers, you have to follow some safety tips.
One important thing to consider when driving happens before you even set foot in your vehicle. It’s making sure your automobile is in good shape. That means getting regular oil changes, taking care of your tires and keeping up on other vehicle maintenance tasks. You also want to ensure that headlights, tail lights, brake lights and other mechanical items on your car work as they are intended to. A car that’s in good working order is less likely to contribute to an accident.
Another good tip to follow when driving is to pay attention. This means not only avoiding distractions but also following traffic signs and signals and knowing where you are going. Pay attention to other drivers on the road, too. Many truck accidents involving semis happen because the truck driver is not aware of another car. If you stay aware, you can help prevent such accidents.
It should go without saying, but one other tip to follow is to avoid driving while impaired. Most people would never get behind the wheel after drinking but don’t think twice about driving when taking heavy duty prescription medication or when they are overly tired. These are impairments that can contribute to accidents, too, and they should be avoided.
If you are involved in an accident and sustain an injury, don’t hesitate to work with a car accident attorney. Personal injury lawyers specialize in representing clients injured in accidents, and they can help you deal with auto insurers, health insurers and others to make sure you get all benefits you are due.