Tips for Driving Safely in a World of Negligent and Distracted Drivers

Nowadays, drivers are more distracted than ever; as a result, defensive driving is the name of the game. It can be scary to get behind the wheel, especially with the number of distractions available to people while they are driving. As a result, it’s more important to be alert and present when driving. Obviously driving defensively is the name of the game when it comes to protecting yourself from the distractions of others. When it comes to an accident that is the result of distracted driving, the person responsible could be found negligent. An attorney can provide you with the legal representation you require to help bring forth a lawsuit against the party responsible for negligence.

Texting and Driving: Strategies for Staying Off Your Phone

Driving distracted can have a devastating impact for those involved; it may be in your best interest to reach out to an attorney for support. There are a number of ways that distracted driving can be deemed unsafe. When a person reaches for their phone, reads a text message, or messes with their navigation, they put themselves and others at risk for an accident. In a world full of distractions, it can be challenging to fully focus your attention on driving. Despite this, there are a number of strategies that can be utilized to help you drive safely and free from distractions.

Be prepared and have your needs met before you start driving. It can be distracting to do things like plug your phone in, check your email, find your sunglasses, and set the radio station and navigation all after you have gotten on the road. Preparing yourself before driving away can mitigate the temptation to become distracted.

Put your phone in the backseat or in the trunk. By putting your phone out of your reach, you risk the ability to look at it in the event that you receive a text message. It can be tempting to look at your phone when you hear it make a sound.

If you have to check your phone or check on your children in the backseat, pull over. Do not try to reach for your device or try to manage whatever is happening in the backseat while driving. You risk getting into an accident taking this risk.

In the event that you have suffered an accident at the hands of a distracted driver, you will want to speak with an attorney regarding the possibility of taking legal action.

Driving Defensively

There’s no telling if the cars around you are driving distractedly. Although there may be some signs such as driving at a slower speed than normal or swerving, it is also possible for a car to turn the wheel sharply enough to the point where you never saw it coming. Avoiding an accident will require that you pay attention to your surroundings, for example:

• Make sure that you are not driving distracted. This could inhibit your ability to respond in an emergency.
• Keep your distance from drivers who appear to be distracted. Stay away from them; give them a lot of room for error.
• If you see someone driving in an unsafe manner, it may make sense to alert the police.

There are so many distractions when it comes to driving. Driving responsibly, defensively and distraction free can help reduce the risk that you or someone you love is in an accident. By contacting a Fredericksburg VA car accident lawyer soon after you are injured in a car accident at the hands of a distracted driver, you can review your case with a professional and determine if legal recourse is in your best interest.

Thank you to our contributors at the law office of MartinWren, P.C. for the above information.