As 4.4 million people are injured in a car accident annually, understanding how to be a conscious driver while on the road is really important. In that regard, you can also ensure your own safety by knowing how to prevent automobile accidents.
Furthermore, if you do find yourself in a car accident, you will want the right representation. A lawyer who specializes in accident law will not only protect your legal interests, but also save you time and money in the long run.
Here are some ways you can be a conscious driver:
- Double Checking at Intersections
- Be Aware of Debris on the Road
- Provide Adequate Space for Large Vehicles
- Keep Your Distance in Parking Lots
- Always Keep Two Eyes on the Road
Double Checking at Intersections
Accidents commonly occur at intersections. From four-way stop signs to four-way traffic lights, if you aren’t double, or even triple checking before making your turns, you could end up in an accident with another vehicle. Similarly, traffic signals changing from green to yellow to red may be missed by distracted drivers.
When coming upon an intersection, you’ll want to avoid any distractions, stick to the speed limit, and be sure to pause prior to turning. Before crossing the intersection, ensure no cars are coming through the intersection.
On these streets, watch out for drivers who race through yellow lights, and be careful not to run a red light when approaching a yellow one. Just because you are a cautious driver, doesn’t mean everyone else will be.
Be Aware of Debris on the Road
The most common accidents involve collisions with road barriers, debris, and animals. While hitting an obstacle in the road may not seem like that bad of an accident, these single car collisions can often lead to rollover accidents, which are much more deadly. When driving, be sure to drive for the weather and always pay attention to the road and your surroundings.
On Top of looking out for debris on the road, be sure to drive at a speed that allows you to maintain control, especially if conditions are wet outside. The same applies to eating, talking on the phone, and texting while driving. Changes in conditions are never predictable, so driving mindfully, even if there is no one else around you, will ensure you are acting as a conscious driver.
Provide Adequate Space for Large Vehicles
When driving on the road, especially larger highway systems, you’re going to be sharing your driving space with a variety of other vehicles, including semi-trucks, cargo trucks and more. Make sure you brake or slow down for these larger vehicles, as well as provide at least a two-car distance between your vehicle and the other larger truck or car.
Vehicles traveling with wide load bearing equipment can create massive accidents on the road. Despite this, you can minimize the risk of them occurring if you are mindful of extraneous hazards while driving and avoid their blind spots. To do so, stay in the line of sight of the truck driver so you can be seen by them.
Keep Your Distance in Parking Lots
When it comes to being a conscious driver, the road isn’t the only place you may find yourself in an accident. Collisions involving parked cars, fire hydrants and even curbs can be detrimental to your well being, others involved or the integrity of your vehicle.
When parking your car at the store or restaurant or even on the street, be mindful to not park in the more crowded areas. This alone can help you to be a more conscious driver in lots with many other cars.
Additionally, try to maximize the parking space you have. Be careful when parking your vehicle. Make sure that it is parked in the middle of the space and move it if it is too close to the line. This will allow you to avoid being hit by cars pulling into and out of adjacent spaces or scraping your car up on a nearby curbside.
Always Keep Two Eyes on the Road
While you may feel safe inside your car, a pedestrian who trips into the road off a sidewalk might not be. As a rule of thumb, be sure to keep two eyes on the road. Just as road conditions can change quickly, pedestrians can often fall out of your line of sight.
By practicing mindful driving tactics, you can avoid a collision with a pedestrian and avoid a manslaughter charge. Be sure to watch out for anyone who appears to be running or walking at night as well, as it can be more difficult to see pedestrians in the dark.
