Car Accident Attorney Des Moines, IA
It is easy to forget that driving a motor vehicle is potentially one of the most dangerous things you will do on an average day. Travel by motor vehicle being the most common method of transportation among Americans, accidents are bound to happen. As a car accident attorney from Des Moines Injury Law can explain, by adopting a driving philosophy known as “Defensive Driving”, you can create an environment for yourself and passengers where the risk for an accident occurring decreases exponentially. By implementing these tactics, drivers can effectively reduce their risk for causing, or being involved in a potentially life-threatening accident and avoid a long and costly recovery from injuries and damages to property.
Maintain Focus on Driving
While this may seem obvious at first, everyone who has ever driven has been distracted at one point or another for a variety of reasons. Whether it is unruly children in the backseat, or use of your cell phone for navigation purposes – do not give your attention to anything but the task of operating your vehicle in accordance with traffic laws. If you absolutely must use your phone while driving, do so by utilizing hands free technologies to avoid breaking focus with road conditions and changes in traffic
Expect the worst from other drivers
When you get on the road among other drivers, assume that they have no idea what they are doing. When you anticipate that other drivers will break rules, make mistakes, or drive erratically – you are more likely to have a safe trip. Allow other drivers plenty of space and plan how you would maneuver your vehicle if they were to make a sudden and unexpected turn or lane change. For example, if you are turning from a stop onto a two-way road, do not rely on turn signals of other drivers. Wait until you are absolutely positive that your course is clear of other drivers and obstructions before making a move.
Allow ample time
A small amount of planning can go a long way when it comes to driving. By allowing yourself extra time to get to your destination, you will be able to focus on avoiding potentially dangerous hazards. By rushing from destination to destination, you are more likely to take risks which ultimately lead to accidents.
Buckle your seatbelt
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to keep yourself and your passengers safe, is to buckle your seatbelt, and verify that every passenger is buckled in properly. This includes ensuring that children passengers are secured in the backseat and that child seats are installed and used according to the provided instructions. Accidents happen, even when you are practicing safe, defensive driving tactics. By having your seatbelt fastened properly will help lessen your risk in the event of another driver impacting your vehicle, or an unforeseen vehicle malfunction occurs.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. When you practice safe, defensive driving techniques you can foster a safer environment for yourself, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the roadways. Defensive driving is responsible driving, it saves lives, and helps avoid long and costly recovery.
