Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that nearly 6 million collisions occur in the US every year. These collisions result in approximately 40,000 fatalities and injure more than 2 million each year. If you have been involved in a car accident, reach out to a Las Vegas auto accident attorney to learn what legal actions you can take. The CDC estimates that these collisions cost the government around $164 billion. Is there any way we can decrease the incident of car crashes? While self-driving cars are in the works, they are far from perfect. It looks like we’ll just have to figure out how to drive more safely until robotics take the wheel.
Drivers are generally safe – they follow the laws and don’t purposefully drive recklessly. Unfortunately, it only takes one mistake or a moment of distraction for a collision to occur. Many drivers don’t go through formal training and don’t think twice on how to improve. They just drive to get from one place to another and do the best they can.
Defensive driving is a technique drivers can use to decrease their chances of being in a car collision. While it’s impossible to control the behavior of those around you, it is possible to do your best to anticipate their behavior and react accordingly. That’s what defensive driving is all about – predicting what may happen around you and taking whatever anticipatory action you can to prevent an accident. Defensive driving is also about being prepared for a collision if one was to occur. Something as easy as wearing a seat belt can save your life. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts save over 10,000 lives every year. There are many simple tricks and techniques you can do to drive defensively. Always remember to seek out legal representation if you’ve been involved in any type of car accident.
There are many distractions every moment you’re behind the wheel – the ringing phone, the annoying song on the radio, an interesting billboard, loud passengers, etc. The number one way to drive safely and prevent a distracted driving accident is to pay attention. As long as you’re watching what’s going on in front, behind, to the sides, and even a bit further ahead, you’re one huge step closer at preventing an accident. A 2006 study by Auto Trader showed that nearly 80% of all crashes involve some sort of distraction a mere three seconds before an accident. Three seconds! That’s no time at all. You can barely finish a bite of your very distracting breakfast in three seconds.
Taking any sort of substance can affect your ability to react to your surroundings, making you a worse driver and a danger to yourself and everyone else on the road. Some people are foolish enough to claim to be better drivers when intoxicated. There is simply no way this is true. Alcohol and other substances, even some over-the-counter medications, slow your reflexes and make you less alert. What’s the number one rule of defensive driving? Paying attention! It’s hard to do that when you’re sober, don’t add another obstacle. If you or someone you know has been hit by a drunk driver, call a Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorney immediately.
While it’s true that most drivers are safe – everyone makes mistakes! Be a good citizen and keep a look out for your neighbor. He or she may change lanes and innocently not check their blind spot thoroughly enough. Pay attention to other people’s behaviors and you can predict what they’ll do next. Leave extra room and try not to get too upset when people take advantage – they aren’t as good of a driver as you! Keep an eye on your mirrors for other drivers and look down the road for changes to conditions, such as a closed lane.
While no one expects to be in a car crash when they wake up in the morning, they do happen. Be sure your car is equipped with all the necessary safety gear, such as airbags. Keep your car maintained so it has good brakes, brake lights, headlights, windshield wipers, etc.
If you’ve been in a car collision and were driving defensively, it’s likely not to be your fault. Defensive driving means you’re paying attention and you know what mistakes the other driver may have made. This can help you tremendously in the case of a collision. Car collisions can result in expensive medical bills, lost wages, and a damaged car. Be sure to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney so you can get the compensation you deserve.
For over 15 years we’ve been representing and fighting for victims of catastrophic accidents throughout Las Vegas. With our experience and professionalism, you can trust us to get you the best results. Give us a call at (702) 384-1414 or visit us online to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas today.