As attorneys who have helped countless clients in the aftermath of serious car accidents, the lawyers at Altman Nussbaum Shunnarah know all too well the devastating consequences of unsafe driving. Each day on the roads of Massachusetts, careless and reckless drivers put themselves and others at risk of injury and death. But what exactly does it mean to practice "safe driving"? Here, we will break down the key elements of being a responsible motorist and share tips to help keep you and your loved ones out of harm's way.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
One of the simplest yet most crucial aspects of driving safely is the act of buckling your seatbelt. It takes mere seconds but can make the difference between life and death in the event of a crash. Massachusetts law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. However, it is not just about avoiding a ticket - wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces your risk of being killed or suffering a catastrophic injury like paralysis if an accident occurs. Make fastening your seatbelt an automatic habit every time you enter a vehicle, even for short trips close to home. Insist that all of your passengers do the same and set a good example for young drivers.
Never Drive Under the Influence
Despite widespread public awareness campaigns, impaired driving remains a top cause of fatal accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription and over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness is extremely dangerous and illegal. Make alternative transportation plans if you will be drinking, such as appointing a designated driver, calling a taxi or rideshare, or using public transit. Be aware of how any drugs you take impact your driving abilities and err on the side of caution. If you are going to a social gathering where there will be drinking, consider being the sober driver to help your friends stay safe.
Adjust Your Speed to Conditions
Exceeding the speed limit is a factor in a high percentage of car accident fatalities. Speed limits are set based on the design of the road and ideal conditions. However, driving at maximum legal speed is not always safe when weather or road hazards come into play. Reduce your speed as needed when the pavement is wet or icy, when visibility is limited by fog, in highway work zones, and in heavy traffic. Allow extra following distance so you have room to stop safely. High speeds rob you of precious reaction time and lead to greater impacts if a collision does occur. Accept that arriving a few minutes later is vastly preferable to causing a crash by driving too fast for conditions.
Be Predictable and Signal Your Intentions
Many crashes happen when one driver makes an unexpected maneuver that startles other motorists and leads to panic responses. Always strive to drive in a smooth and predictable manner. Avoid making abrupt lane changes or turns. Never cut off other vehicles or tailgate in an aggressive way. Use your turn signals well in advance so others know your intentions. Make sure your brake lights and signals are in proper working order. If you must pull over on the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights. Being predictable allows other drivers to anticipate what you will do and adjust their actions accordingly to avoid surprises that raise the risk of an accident.
Adopt a Defensive Mindset
In an ideal world, everyone on the road would practice safe driving habits. In reality, irresponsible motorists are everywhere. Taking a defensive approach can help you avoid dangers posed by those who choose to drive recklessly. Always be alert and actively scan the environment 360 degrees around your vehicle. Check your mirrors frequently. Leave ample buffer room between your vehicle and others. Have an escape plan in mind so you can take evasive action if another driver does something unexpected. When you spot a driver behaving erratically, slow down and let them get plenty of distance from you. Being mentally prepared can help you navigate hazardous situations caused by negligent drivers.
Make Safe Driving a Priority
Unfortunately, even the safest drivers can fall victim to the negligence of others on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash that was not your fault, the car accident attorneys at Altman Nussbaum Shunnarah are here to help. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.