The Eason Law Firm has a consistent track record of taking on and winning complicated personal injury cases. But we also recognize that a number of the cases that come to our office stem from preventable incidents.
This is especially true in the case of motor vehicle accidents. While we are happy to work with individuals to see if they have a motor vehicle personal injury case, we believe education goes a long way toward preventing them from needing our services in the first place.
Please keep the following driving tips in mind to prevent accidents that can lead to personal injury litigation.
LEAVE PLENTY OF SPACE FOR THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU.
Emotions can run high when you are behind the wheel, especially in rush hour traffic or if you are running late to your destination. It may be tempting to tailgate the motorist in front of you if he or she is driving under the speed limit or not going as fast as you would like. You may not even realize that you are tailgating.
But following too closely can lead to a rear-end collision in the blink of an eye. There is no way to predict if the driver in front of you will have to make a sudden stop, be it for an animal, pedestrian, emergency vehicle or another reason.
In order to ensure you are not tailgating, apply the "three-second rule." Pick a focal point on the roadway, such as a sign or marker, and count how many seconds pass between the time the vehicle in front of you passes it and you pass it. If that time is less than three seconds, you are following the other motorist too closely and need to allow more space.
WATCH YOUR SPEED.
Driving over the speed limit is extremely easy to do without realizing it. However, it is also one of the easiest ways to get into an accident, pulled over by the police or worse. Of the more than 30,000 traffic fatalities in 2014, 28 percent were from speeding-related crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Allow plenty of time to get to your destination, especially when you know there is going to be construction, bad weather or other potentially hazardous conditions on your commute. Pay close attention to the speed limit and make sure you are following it as closely as possible.
DITCH THE DISTRACTIONS.
No text, social network or phone call is worth the potential damage, injury or death of a motor vehicle accident. Leave your phone alone while driving. If necessary, store it somewhere out of reach, such as your glove compartment or trunk, so you will not be tempted to use it.
While your favorite music, audiobook or radio program can help make your trip more pleasant, it can also become a distraction. Loud audio can prevent you from hearing and pulling over for emergency vehicles. Always listen at a volume that will allow you to be able to pay attention to driving, and never use headphones while behind the wheel.
DRIVE SOBER.
There is simply no excuse for driving while impaired by alcohol or another substance. If you have been drinking or taking medication that causes drowsiness, and you feel you must travel, find a designated driver, call a cab or use a ride-sharing service.
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident and think you may have a case, the Eason Law Firm is here to help. Contact us to schedule your free consultation.