Whether you live in the city or in the suburbs, many of your daily and weekly tasks—from going to work to buying groceries—depend upon your access to a motor vehicle. Driving can be many things: a lifeline, an inconvenience, a frustrating experience. But it can also be dangerous: there are nearly 11 million car accidents in the United States each year, totaling to about 30,000 each day. While there is no fool-proof way to guarantee that you will avoid accidents, you can reduce your risk by abiding by trusted driving safety tips. In the event you do eventually become involved in an accident, using these tips can provide evidence that you were driving as responsibly as possible. Small details like that are important to mention when speaking to an Arlington accident attorney such as David Kohm when pursuing compensation.
Perhaps the most important tip is to remember that when you are driving, you need to focus on the task at hand. Although driving may seem very simple just because you’ve done it so many times, it’s actually a complex task that requires hand-eye coordination, quick decisions, and smart choices. In other words, it requires intense concentration in order to be done properly and safely. Thus, you should make a conscious effort to eliminate as many distractions as possible.
Distractions can come in many forms, from phone calls and text messages, to loud music and unrestrained pets. Although it may be inconvenient to have to be out of touch while driving or to restrain your pet, it’s important to focus on the bigger picture—your safety is paramount. A visit to the emergency room is much more inconvenient than waiting to respond to a phone call.
You should also be sure to avoid driving when you are tired. Whether from lack of sleep or lack of food, being fatigued can slow your reactions, making you more liable to make poor judgment calls. Forgetting to do even seemingly minor tasks such as checking your blind spots or using turn signals can lead to an accident.
When you’re on the road, drive as safely as you can. But when someone else fails to and you’re involved in an accident, contact the Law Offices of David Kohm at 817-204-0900.
