Driving safely is essential, not just for your protection but for the safety of everyone on the road. Every year, countless accidents occur due to preventable causes, changing lives and causing substantial damage.
Knowing driving safety helps prevent accidents and reduces the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities. By staying informed, you can make smarter choices that contribute to a safer driving environment.
At Glotzer & Leib, we believe that everyone should prioritize driving skills that improve safety. Learn more about driving safety below. Then, call us if you are involved in a car accident.
Driving safely should be a priority for everyone who gets behind the wheel. The benefits of safe driving are immense, ranging from reducing the risk of accidents to saving lives.
Moreover, safe driving can also lead to financial savings by avoiding the costs associated with car crashes, such as repairs, fines, and increased insurance premiums. Recognizing and practicing safe driving can considerably diminish the likelihood of tragic consequences.
Emphasizing the importance of driving safety is a must for new and experienced drivers alike. For new drivers, it establishes a foundation of good habits that can protect them throughout their driving years.
For experienced drivers, it is a reminder that safe driving requires constant attention and adaptation, especially as traffic conditions and driving environments evolve. Driving safely benefits everyone by contributing to a safer community and road environment.
Many road accidents are preventable, and familiarity with their common causes can help drivers avoid them. A few common causes of car accidents include:
Distracted driving is one of the top causes of road accidents. It includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. When drivers are not fully focused on the road, their reaction time slows down, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
The use of mobile phones and other devices is particularly hazardous while driving. Texting or using apps on your phone can take your eyes off the road for crucial seconds, during which a lot can go wrong. If you must communicate while driving, putting the phone away or using hands-free technologies is important.
Other common distractions include eating, grooming, or interacting with passengers. These activities might seem harmless, but they require attention that should be directed toward driving. Keeping these distractions to a minimum can substantially reduce the risk of an accident.
Speeding is a key factor in many fatal collisions. Driving over the speed limit or too fast for conditions can make it difficult to stop in time to avoid an obstacle. Speeding cuts the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the road and increases the distance required to stop a vehicle.
Impaired drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also lead to traffic fatalities. Even a small amount of alcohol can drastically affect driving performance. Crashes involving drugs and alcohol are often more serious.
Poor weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog can impair visibility and make roads slippery. Driving in such conditions requires extra caution, slower speeds, and greater following distances. This is also the case with night driving. It’s critical to adjust your driving habits to match the conditions of the road.
Neglecting vehicle maintenance can lead to accidents. Critical failures like brake failure or tire blowouts can be catastrophic. Regularly servicing your vehicle and checking essential components like brakes, tires, and lights can prevent such issues and keep you safer.
Defensive driving is about being prepared for potential hazards before they become a problem. It involves not just following the law but also anticipating possible issues and actively avoiding them.
Keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front gives you more time to react in an emergency. This is especially important at higher speeds or in poor weather conditions. A good rule is the three-second rule, which ensures you have enough time to stop or react.
Always be aware of what’s happening around you. This includes monitoring the behavior of other motorists and being conscious of pedestrians and cyclists. Constant awareness helps you react swiftly and correctly if something unexpected occurs.
Expect the unexpected. Anticipate potential mistakes by other drivers, such as sudden stops or lane changes, and prepare to react safely. Be aware that teen drivers are on the roads as well. They often do not have the same experience and skills as older drivers. They are often at a greater risk of causing an accident. This proactive approach can stop accidents and ensure smoother, safer driving experiences.
Safe driving is critical for protecting yourself and others on the road. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Focus solely on driving. Avoid using your phone, eating, or other activities that could divert your attention. If you need to attend to something urgent, pull over safely first.
Always adhere to speed limits. They are designed to provide maximum safety for you and others based on road conditions, traffic, and other factors. Speeding is one of the leading causes of collisions.
Always wear a seat belt, and make sure all passengers do too. Seat belts save lives by stopping you from being ejected during a crash. They are your best defense against injury in an accident.
Modify your driving based on weather conditions. Slow down when it’s raining, snowing, or foggy. If visibility is heavily impaired, it’s best to pull over and wait until conditions improve.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired driving greatly increases the chance of a fatal accident. If you plan to drink, always arrange an alternative way to get home, such as a taxi or a designated driver.
Regularly check and maintain your car to ensure it is safe to drive. This includes regular checks on brakes, tires, lights, and other critical systems. Well-maintained cars are less likely to have issues and cause crashes.
Advancements in technology have notably enhanced driving safety. Features like automatic braking, electronic stability control, and rear-view cameras have made cars safer than ever.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) cover a variety of technologies that enhance vehicle safety and driving. These systems can prevent crashes by giving drivers advanced warnings or taking automatic action to avoid crashes.
Unsafe driving can lead to dire legal consequences, including fines, license suspensions, and even criminal charges in the case of grievous accidents. Awareness of these implications can encourage drivers to adhere to safety regulations.
If you cause a car accident due to unsafe driving, you could be liable for damages and injuries. This could include medical bills, property damage, and other costs related to the accident. Legal liability can lead to major financial and personal consequences.
Liability in car crashes can be even greater when distracted drivers and cell phones lead to traffic deaths. No cell phone call is worth a life. Contact us for help after a car crash.
Traffic violations can lead to fines, points on your license, and increased insurance premiums. Major violations, like DUI or reckless driving, can trigger more harsh penalties, including jail time. Adhering to traffic laws helps avoid these penalties and keeps the roads safe for everyone.
Unsafe driving behaviors can lead to higher insurance rates. Insurance companies often increase premiums for drivers with histories of accidents or traffic violations. Maintaining a clean driving record can help keep your insurance costs lower.
If you’re involved in a car accident, having a skilled Los Angeles car accident lawyer can change the outcome of your case.
At Glotzer & Leib, our experienced lawyers know the issues of car accident claims and are committed to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve. We understand drunk driving and distracted driving laws. However, we know that motor vehicle crashes still happen. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
“Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.
His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”
“Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”
“Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”
“My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”
“I was in a rear end car accident last year and hired Mr. Glotzer’s office. It wasn’t a big case but their office helped me with my property damage claim and did a good job resolving the injury portion of the case as well.”
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