The reality of life is that it is unpredictable, and even the most cautious and responsible person can still suffer harm in an accident. Car crashes are a good example of incidents that happen with high frequency across the country. And even though there is an increased risk of a crash each time you get into your car, no matter how safely you operate it, it is likely that you are not allowing the thought of a potential crash to keep you from traveling from place to place in your automobile.
If this is true for you, you are in good company because this is generally true for most people, which is why American roads are full of various types of automobiles. For instance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that in 2020 alone, when only considering police-reported crashes in the country, there were well over 5 million. That year, there were an estimated 276 million registered vehicles throughout the U.S., including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
If you were injured in a Pennsylvania car accident, you might be entitled to compensation. If you have questions about what you can do to get the support you need to take legal recourse, please call the car accident attorneys at the O’Donnell Law Offices.
Tips to Improve Safety When Driving
Even though there is no way to completely avoid a crash, that doesn’t mean that always practicing safe driving is a bad idea. Quite the opposite. You can greatly reduce your chances of being in a crash if you follow the following safe driving tips:
- If you are tired and can put off driving or have another party take the wheel for you, this is best. Drowsy driving is dangerous.
- Avoiding alcohol when you drive is ideal but if you do consume alcohol calling a friend, a taxi, rideshare service, or taking public transportation is the best way to stay safe getting home.
- If you are planning a trip, look at the weather and forecast so you know if inclement weather will exist. If the weather will be bad, think about rescheduling your trip if you are able, and if you cannot, then giving yourself extra time to drive so you can take your time can be helpful.
- Plan your trip’s route ahead of time, so you are familiar with where you are going.
- If you are driving during the winter when the days are shorter, always plan to make trips during the day if possible because night driving makes visibility less clear.
- Eliminate distractions like cell phones when you are driving. Your main focus must be on operating your vehicle and keeping alert to your surroundings. Everything else can wait.
- Do not speed. Follow speed limits and adjust how fast you drive when weather conditions are not ideal.
- Always leave space between your car and others so that if you have to make a last-minute adjustment you have the room to do so.
- Wear your seatbelt, and make sure others in your car wear theirs. Also, keep children secure in proper child safety seats.
- Maintain your vehicle. Keeping up with regular maintenance can help reduce your chances of your car having an issue that you cannot control, which can lead to a crash.
Speak to a Northeast Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Today
Being proactive when you drive can help you minimize the risk of a crash. However, if you or a loved one was harmed in a crash, then you may be able to file a claim for compensation.
For more information, please schedule a free initial consultation with a Northeast Pennsylvania personal injury attorney at the O’Donnell Law Offices serving clients in Kingston, Wilkes Barre, Hazleton, and Pittston at 570-821-5717 or online today. There is no fee or cost until we win your case.
Source:
cdan.nhtsa.gov/tsftables/National%20Statistics.pdf