Accidents are bound to happen, no one ever means for them to occur, which is why they’re called “accidents” and not “on purpose”. In today’s society, with the progression of technology, it’s not only easier to be distracted, but it’s also more dangerous than ever. Considering the state of affairs following the pandemic, hospitals are busier than ever, nurses are bogged down, and there’s only so much they can do at one time. Especially in the state of New York, where the virus hit incredibly hard. Fortunately, in areas such as White Plains, it’s not hard to find an experienced White Plains car accident lawyer to help with your case. Of course, there’s also ways to prevent an accident before it happens.
1. Limit The Distractions
Seems easy enough, right? We all say we don’t text and drive, but it doesn’t always have to be texting to divert your attention away from the road. It could be changing the song you’re listening to, checking the GPS, weather alerts, reading an email from work, checking the caller ID to see who’s calling you, the list goes on. It takes only one second of distraction for an accident to happen.
Putting the phone away and picking a playlist of music you know you’ll be able to listen to without skipping will help youpay attention to the road.There are a number of apps to help as well.An example of this would be AT&T’s Drive Mode, which is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Let’s say you get a text while driving, this will alert the application, which will automatically send a text to the individual to let them know you’re driving and will be able to respond once the car has been parked.
2. Don’t Tailgate
It happens, drivers are in a hurry because they’re running late, so they inch closer and closer to the car in front of them hoping traffic will go faster. The car in front slams on their brakes and now, not only has there been an accident, but people are hurt.
Maybe it isn’t your fault? If this is the case it might be best to seek help from a White Plains personal injury lawyer, if you’re in the area. If not, there are sure to be some great injury lawyers in your local area.
To prevent an accident like this occurring. Watch your speed, you might be in a hurry, but your destination isn’t going anywhere.It’ll be there when you arrive so take your time, don’t tailgate and leave at least 3 seconds between you and the car ahead, that way if they do slam on their brakes you have time to react.
3. Be Aware Of Your Blindspots
Too many drivers rely solely on their mirrors while driving, or pulling out of a parking spot.This is how accidents occur, and people get hurt. If you’re backing out of a parking spot, make sure to look over your right shoulder and watch behind you. By doing this you’ll have a much better idea of what’s going on around your car.You’ll also know if you’re in danger of hitting someone or something.
When backing out of a spot or driving through a parking lot, be sure to take it slow, as any car could start backing out at any second.Someone could also appear from behind something that’s blocking your view. So, take it slow, there’s no rush when driving through a parking lot.
When driving on a main road or highway be sure to check your blind spots as well as utilizing your mirror, someone could pull into your lane or turn from a side road. Always try to be as aware as possible with what’s going on around your car.
4. Avoid Road Rage
Easier said than done, especially when it feels like the traffic is out to get you, people are cutting you off left and right, or even purposely driving under the speed limit. Anything can be the cause of road rage, but what’s important is finding ways around that anger, because not only can it be damaging physically if it causes an accident, but mentally it’s a slippery slope to come back from.
When experiencing road rage, it can feel like everything is compounding on itself, nothing is going right and only makes you angrier, which can distract you from being able to react appropriately while driving, which puts others at risk.
Take a deep breath, then take another, and refocus yourself, regardless of how you react, traffic is going to act how it will.What you can do is drive the best you can and avoid an accident by channeling that anger to focus on the road instead of lashing out at those around you.
5. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
This one can play into checking your blind spots, but, also, applies to everything around you. If you’re pulling up to an intersection to turn right, make sure you’re paying attention to oncoming traffic.Take your time with timing of when you should turn, and be cautious of any pedestrians who are at the intersection as well.
Also take note of light runners.If you’re aware that the lights are changing, don’t think that it’san opportunity to turn if traffic is still moving.Wait a few seconds to see if any cars are going to run the light.Some speedto try to beat the light and can cause a serious accident if you’re not paying attention.
There are also the individuals who don’t check their blind spots and begin to merge into a different lane, which can be extremely dangerous if you happen to be in their blind spot and they didn’t see you. Being aware of the world around you as you’re driving is the best way to prevent an accident before it happens.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in White Plains, Miami, or even Los Angeles traffic is everywhere, so accidents are bound to occur. With the number of distracted drivers out on the roads, it’s imperative to be aware of your surroundings, and the drivers around you.Seconds are what make the difference between a near miss and a terrible accident. Have you been in an accident?
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