Defensive Driving Tips

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 2 million people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2010. Alabama motorists can avoid being in a vehicle collision by using defensive driving tips. Defensive driving is set of skills that help drivers protect themselves from reckless drivers, motorists that are intoxicated and adverse weather conditions

Mobile residents can avoid being in an auto accident by following these tips:

Don’t Make Assumption about Other Drivers

You should never leave your fate up to another driver on the road. Assume that other drivers will run traffic lights, roll past stop signs and violate the state’s traffic laws. When you are prepared for the worst case scenario, you will be ready for to action if necessary.

Stay Alert

Alabama drivers should anticipate potential road dangers and stay focused on the road at all times. Drivers should always be prepared to brake quickly or make sudden maneuvers. Make sure to check you mirrors often to see if any cars are entering the highway.

Avoid Distractions

Anything that can take a driver’s attention off the road is considered a distraction. Some common distractions for Alabama motorists include texting on your cell phone, grooming or playing with a navigation system while driving. It’s advised that all drivers learn how to operate their vehicle’s radio without taking their eyes off the road. According to the NHTSA, in 2009 over 400,000 people were injured in distracted driving accidents.

Use Your Blinkers

Other motorists have no clue what moves you’re going to make unless you tell them. Always signal before making turns and changing lanes. Signaling your intentions to other drivers will prevent you from being in a rear-end accident.

Keep a Safe Distance

Motorists should always follow the two-second rule when operating their vehicles in good weather and regular traffic. The two-second rule states that drivers should stay at least two seconds behind the car traveling in front of them. You can check to see if you are keeping a safe distance by watching the vehicle in front of you pass a specific point. If you drive pass that specific point in less than two seconds, you are too close to the vehicle in front of you. In addition, motorists should increase their distance to four seconds when driving on the highway. Also, motorists should allow extra space between their vehicle and other drivers when driving at night, in bad weather, or behind trucks and motorcycles. Drivers that tailgate other vehicles are at increased rate of being in a collision.

Wear Your Seat Belt

Drivers and vehicle occupants should always wear lap/shoulder belts. Research has proven that wearing a seat belt increases your odds of surviving a vehicle crash. Your chances of being killed in an auto accident decreases by 45 percent if you wear a seat belt.

Drivers that use defensive driving can protect themselves and their loved ones from inattentive motorists on Alabama’s roadways.

Contact an Alabama Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident injury at no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage and other losses associated with accident. Contact a skilled auto accident attorney today to learn about the legal rights available to accident victims.

The attorneys at the Citrin Law Firm are available to assist injury victims in Mobile, Baldwin County and the surrounding areas. The law firm is dedicated to helping accident victims receive maximum compensation for their injuries.

To receive a free case evaluation, complete the contact form on the right.