Many Texans are daily commuters. Whether going to work, running errands or taking a trip, you likely find yourself on the road most days. With that said, you should be able to expect other drivers to exercise caution and obey the rules of the road, but you know that many drivers are careless.
While a collision may be unavoidable if another driver is negligent or reckless, there are ways to make sure you do your own part to make the roads as safe as possible.
Stay Focused
Nationwide, distracted driving causes hundreds of thousands of injuries and thousands of deaths each year. In fact, despite education efforts and bans on texting while driving, crashes caused by distracted drivers have been on the rise in recent years.
To keep yourself safe, it’s important not to text or talk on your phone, or to reach for it. It’s also important to avoid other forms of distraction like eating, reaching for items in the back seat, reaching for a cigarette lighter or matches, and letting conversation with passengers take your attention away from the road.
Practice Defense
It’s also important to drive defensively — never aggressively. Driving defensively involves paying attention to other drivers’ maneuvers and giving other vehicles, including motorcycles, sufficient space. Tailgating is a quick way to cause an accident, and so are not checking your mirrors and not watching for motorcycles.
Wear Your Safety Belt
Seat belts save lives. Be sure to put yours on.
Have a Plan
By planning ahead for possible delays or weather conditions, you can avoid feeling pressured to speed or engage in other dangerous driving behaviors.
When a Wreck Was Unavoidable
If another driver crashed into, leaving you injured, you need to know your options for obtaining the full amount of available compensation. Remember, the insurance company is not on your side — and may even try to shift blame onto you.
To ensure that your rights are protected and your medical expenses covered after an accident, talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you get the medical care you need, as well as fight to help you obtain full and fair compensation for your injuries.