New Drivers & Busier Roads
As the end of summer approaches, school is back in session. With many schools returning at the end of July and August, you have likely noticed that the roads are busier, and rush hour is a little more manic. And it’s not simply that there are more cars on the road than there was last week, but there are also many young drivers hitting the streets for the first time. Whether they have just earned their driver’s license or they got a new car as a graduation present, these drivers are inexperienced and still learning.
Unfortunately, this lack of experience can result in more car accidents and more injuries. Below we provide five helpful tips for avoiding and preventing car accidents this fall. From new drivers to seasoned road warriors, a little time brushing up on road safety can make a huge difference. Keep reading to learn more.
Road Safety Tip #1: Stay Alert & Avoid Distractions
No matter how long you have been driving, staying alert and paying attention to your surroundings while driving can go a long way in keeping you and others safe on the road. Avoid multitasking while driving (such as eating, changing radio stations, or putting on makeup). Passengers can also be a distraction, so if you are driving with others in the car, enlist them to help you stay focused on driving.
Road Safety Tip #2: Be Aware of Weather and Visibility Issues
As summer moves into fall, we will see the weather change. With lower temperatures comes rain, ice, and snow. These conditions can be very dangerous, making the roads slick and reducing visibility. If you are commuting early in the morning or late in the evening, be aware that visibility is often reduced during these hours. Keep your headlights on, even during the day, always use your turn signals, and pay extra attention to the drivers around you.
Road Safety Tip #3: Give Other Vehicles Plenty of Room
It can be hard not to be impatient with other drivers, and this impatience can lead to tailgating. However, you always want to give other vehicles plenty of room. This can be especially important for new drivers on the road who may need more time to respond to road conditions and who are more likely to become flustered. A common rule of thumb is to give three to four seconds of space between yourself and the car in front of you.
Road Safety Tip #4: Familiarize Yourself with Your Route
If you’re a new driver or you are taking your kids to a new school this year, take some time to familiarize yourself with the route you will be taking. Pay attention to any hazards along the way, such as construction zones, and make sure to give yourself adequate time to get where you’re going without rushing. Similarly, ensure you know the speed limits and other posted instructions along your route. This can all help you be more comfortable driving and can help prevent you from being surprised by an unexpected change in speed limit or another similar issue.
Road Safety Tip #5: Make Sure Your Vehicle Is in Good Condition
One of the leading causes of car accidents is vehicle problems. Vehicles in disrepair are more likely to be in and cause accidents than those that are well-maintained. For example, cars with tires that have worn treads are more likely to experience a blowout, causing you to swerve and potentially hit another vehicle. Meanwhile, a busted tail light can cause other drivers not to realize when you are slowing down, leading to a rear-end accident. To prevent these accidents, perform a safety check of your vehicle every so often, make sure it is serviced regularly, and don’t drive cars that are in disrepair.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, contact May, Rammell & Wells for help. Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling car accident cases in Idaho, and we can use our experience to help you.
