According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, 2020 saw 38,824 fatal and 2,282,015 injury-causing traffic crashes. While some collisions were simply accidents, others may have been caused by a driver’s risky or reckless behavior. When on the road, it’s important to be aware of the people you’re driving around. Although you might take precautions to keep yourself and others safe, the same can’t be said of other motorists.
This blog discusses some things you can do to avoid collisions with dangerous drivers. Still, the possibility of getting into a car accident isn’t completely eliminated. If you are in a wreck caused by someone else, you may be able to file a claim to recover compensation for damages you suffered.
If you’re looking for legal representation in Columbus, schedule a consultation with Rourke and Blumenthal LLC by calling (614) 321-3212 or submitting an online contact form today.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Paying attention to your surroundings is essential, especially when driving.
Keep alert and look out for reckless actions by other drivers, such as:
- Speeding,
- Unsafe lane changes, or
- Distracted driving.
If you see a driver behaving dangerously, try to move away from them if it is safe to do so.
Minimize or avoid any distractions yourself, like eating, drinking, or talking to passengers. If you are not fully focused on driving, you might not see a dangerous driver in time to avoid them.
Being aware of your surroundings can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Maintain a Safe Distance
One of the most important safety rules to follow when driving is maintaining a safe distance between your car and the one in front of you. This can help you react quickly if the other driver suddenly stops. It can also help to avoid rear-end collisions.
So how much space should you keep? A good way to determine a safe distance is by using the three-second rule. To use this rule, pick a stationary object on the side of the road (such as a lamppost) and start counting when the car in front of you passes it. If you are not at three by the time the front of your car reaches the same object, you are driving too close.
In addition to keeping an eye on the car in front of you, it is also important to be aware of the car behind you. If you feel they are driving too close, move to another lane when safe to do so and let the other driver pass.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help to make the roads safer for everyone.
Change Lanes with Caution
Before moving over, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to ensure no one's in your blind spot. Some reckless drivers might speed up to avoid letting someone in front of them. Be sure it's safe to change lanes before doing so.
Stay Alert When Driving in Unfamiliar Places
Driving in unfamiliar places can be challenging. You might miss a turn or your exit if you're not paying attention. And if you have to brake or make an abrupt maneuver, the other drivers, especially locals, around you might get angry. They might engage in risky behaviors, like speeding past you or honking their horn to startle you. They might even swerve around you.
Drive safely and attentively when you're in unfamiliar territory. Pay attention to the road signs, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. And if you do make a mistake, stay calm. You can find ways to turn around and get where you need to go.
Keep Your Cool
Other drivers’ behaviors can get frustrating. They may swerve between lanes, cut you off, or follow too closely. It can be tempting to express your agitation at them by honking or increasing speed, but this can make the situation worse and put yourself or others in danger.
If you find yourself getting angry at another driver, take a deep breath and try to stay composed. Remember that most people are just trying to get to their destination safely, just like you. By remaining calm and focused on the task at hand, you can help prevent dangerous collisions.
Contact a Lawyer If You're in an Accident
While it is important to take precautions when driving, remember that other drivers may not be as cautious. If you are injured in a crash caused by someone else, reach out to a personal injury attorney for legal assistance.
At Rourke and Blumenthal LLC, we recognize the financial burdens associated with an accident. That’s why our Columbus team pursues just compensation for our clients. Contact us at (614) 321-3212 today.