Car accidents occur every day in Southern California. A serious car accident injury can result in a major disruption to your life and leave you with a lifetime of pain and suffering. That is why you should take every precaution you can to avoid being in a crash.
Below is a list of seven ways to keep safe and avoid a serious auto accident.
1) Check Gauges and Inspect Your Car
Many car accidents can be prevented before the engine is ever turned on. Before starting your car, you should check all gauges and inspect your vehicle by:
- Ensuring there is enough gas.
- Checking air pressure and for flat tires.
- Checking to make sure you have enough engine fluids.
- Checking to make sure your check-engine light is not on.
2) Stay Alert/Use Your Eyes
When behind the wheel, you should constantly be scanning ahead for possible road dangers. Also, you should frequently be using your side mirrors and your rear-view mirror in order to be aware of what is going on around you. However, driving distractions may prohibit you from safe driving.
When driving, never:
- Text.
- Make or answer calls.
- Eat or drink.
- Change clothes.
- Stare at other accident scenes.
3) Frequently Check Your Blind Spots
It’s not uncommon to forget about another vehicle in your blind spots. That is why you should always use caution and check for vehicles in your blind spots before changing lanes. The sudden appearance of another vehicle can lead you to becoming confused and lose control of your car.
4) Be Cautious When You Have Been Driving Next to Another Vehicle for a Long Time
It’s easy to forget about a driver who has been driving next to you for a few minutes, especially if they are in one of your blind spots. The same holds true for the other driver. They may forget about you. Pull ahead or behind them for a brief moment to ensure that they remember you are there.
5) Use Caution When Entering an Intersection
A common mistake drivers make is assuming they are safe because they have a green light and/or the right of way. Nothing can be further from the truth. You can never assume another driver is paying attention or sees you approaching an intersection. That is why you should always look both ways when proceeding through an intersection or stop sign.
6) Maintain a Safe Distance
Tailgating is common in Southern California. However, it is also dangerous. You can ensure that you have enough time to slow down or stop if a vehicle in front of you slows down or stops suddenly by always maintaining a safe distance from that vehicle.
7) Know and Obey Traffic Laws
The cause of most auto accidents can be attributed to someone violating at least one traffic law. As a driver, it is your responsibility and obligation to those you share the streets and freeways with to understand and obey all traffic laws. Common law violations that lead to car accidents include:
- Not using a hands-free cell phone device.
- Failing to obey posted speed limits.
- Failing to stop at stop signs and red lights.
- Making unsafe lane changes.
Your Accident Injury Case
Though you can’t control the driving habits of others and prevent all accidents, you do have control over your injury case. What you do immediately following an accident can directly affect your case and your compensation amount. Steinberg Injury Lawyers has the experience and knowledge to help you build a solid case and get the compensation and medical treatment you deserve.
You can start by ordering your free copy of our book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact one of our experienced Santa Monica car accident attorneys at Steinberg Injury Lawyers at (800) 989-6385.
