While no drivers want to dwell on the concerning accident statistics, it is a fact that over 18,266 people are killed every year in motor vehicle accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Far more are injured in motor vehicle accidents, incurring massive medical expenses, time off work, and pain and suffering.
To keep you safe while hitting the roads across Georgia, we offer the following list of defensive driving tips, among others, according to defensive driving experts:
- Pay close attention: One of the more important defensive driving techniques is a seemingly simple but critical one—pay close attention to the road ahead and activity going on around you. Many car accidents involve some degree of inattentiveness on the part of at least one driver involved. Put away distractions and mentally focus on the task of arriving safe at your destination.
- Do not trust other driver’s actions: You cannot assume that other drivers will act in a reasonably safe manner. Be sure to anticipate other driver’s behaviors by vigilantly checking for signs that a car is about to merge without blinkers, fail to yield, or engage in other dangerous driving behaviors.
- Watch your speed: Driving at an unreasonably high rate of speed will diminish your reaction time and increase the amount of time you need to stop to avoid an accident. Do not exceed the speed limit at any time and reduce your speed even further during inclement weather.
- Never drive impaired: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors you could engage in. Drunk drivers are less likely to spot obstacles or act in a responsible manner and could cause serious accidents.
- When in doubt, yield: If you are not sure as to whether you have the right of way, it is best to always yield out of an abundance of caution. You could avoid being injured in an accident by taking this extra moment to wait for the other vehicle to proceed.
- Look down at the road: Drive with your eye up and look down at the road ahead. Many drivers will focus solely on the five seconds in front of the vehicle, but you anticipate 15-20 seconds ahead in order to avoid stopped cars or other obstacles in the road.
- Always use your signals: Turn signals are vital to ensuring other drivers know your intentions. Without signaling, you could be in danger of a t-bone, rear-end, or other accident.
Put Our Law Firm’s Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!
If you are injured, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal rights as well as the steps necessary to protect those rights. Our auto accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates represent those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast, including all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Sources:
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/content.php?6-Defensive-Driving-Tips
https://driversed.com/driving-information/defensive-driving/defensive-driving-techniques.aspx