Victoria C. Swanson Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Driving is a part of daily life for most Americans, but it is also one of the most dangerous activities we take part in.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there are between five and six million car crashes annually in the United States.  These accidents injure millions of people and kill thousands each year.

Defensive driving, as defined by the National Safety Council, is: driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others.   Taking a defensive driving course can increase your ability to anticipate and respond to dangerous situations on roadways.  Even if you do not take an official class, following these safety tips can help prevent a serious wreck.  And remember that if you are injured in a crash, you should contact car accident lawyer in colorado springs right away.

Tip #1: Always keep a safe following distance

Many accidents are caused by a driver following another vehicle too closely.  Following the two-second rule can help you keep from tailgating.  To do this, choose a fixed point on the roadway and begin counting when the vehicle in front of you passes it.  If you reach the marker before two seconds expire, you are following too closely.

Tip #2: Adjust to the road conditions

Certain conditions make driving considerably more dangerous.  Here is what to do in the following conditions:

• At night:  The fatality rates for night driving are four times higher than day driving. Always have your headlights on between sunset and sunrise.
• Fog/smoke: Use your low beams or fog lights (if you have them).  Be prepared for sudden stops.  If you do not feel safe driving in fog or smoke, pull off the road and turn on your emergency flashers.
• Snow/ice: Winter driving presents particularly treacherous conditions.  If you begin to slide, you should:
• Remove your foot from the gas pedal
• Apply the brakes firmly if you have anti-lock brakes.  If you do not, pump your brakes gently if you are about to collide with something
• Steer into the direction of the slide to straighten out

Tip # 3: Avoid distractions

Multi-tasking is common these days.  colorado springs car accident attorney. But driver distractions can be deadly.  While behind the wheel, attorneys recommend you heed the following advice:

• Do not read or write
• Only use a phone if you have a hands-free device
• Use preset buttons on your radio to avoid taking your eyes off the road for extended periods
• Do not eat or drink

A popular saying in defensive driving is: Always expect other drivers to do the unexpected.  Obeying this maxim, as well as the guidelines above, will help keep you safe behind the wheel.  For more safety tips and car accident help, you should contact local attorneys.

Get a free consultation with a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer

Call us toll-free today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a car accident attorney in Colorado Springs, Colorado, (866) 695-5158 or (719) 471-1984, or visit the Contact Us Page.

Sears & Swanson PC
2 N Cascade Ave # 1250, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1672
(719) 471-1984