Are You a Safe Driver?

Many people think that driving a car is the safest form of travel. In fact, car accidents result in more than 40,000 deaths per year according to a study performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The number of people injured in car accidents is even higher.

At Winters and Yonker, P.A., we strongly encourage safe driving practices to help prevent serious injuries and wrongful death. By following these basic tips, you and your loved ones can hopefully avoid a car accident:

Do not speed.

When driving on the open highways of Florida and Kentucky, it can be tempting to put your foot to the floor and drive above the speed limit. But the faster you are driving, the longer it takes to stop. An unexpected obstacle, such as an animal crossing the road, a slower driver or road debris, can cause you lose control and injure yourself and other motorists.

Limit your distractions.

Talking or texting on cell phones is becoming one of the leading causes of auto accidents today. If you are on the phone, it is harder to give your full attention to other drivers around you. Playing loud music, adjusting dials, and grabbing items from the floor or backseat are other distractions that should be avoided whenever possible.

Be aware of other drivers.

You know that you are a good driver, but are other drivers as safe as you? Pay attention to what other vehicles are doing and where they are so you can be prepared for sudden lane changes, turns without signals and other accident causing actions.

Keep your eyes on the road.

This seems like common sense, but usually the first response after a car accident is "I didn't see it coming." Keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to potential hazards ¾ like children and animals ¾ that could suddenly run out in front of you.

Drive during the day.

While you may be a night-owl, other drivers are not; driver fatigue is a major risk factor for car accidents. In addition, it is often harder to see the road ahead of you and other obstacles at night. Drunk drivers are also on the road at night, putting you at even greater a risk for an accident.

Practice your basic skills from driver's education.

Do you remember your driver's ed. instructor telling you to drive with your hands at "10 and 2?" These basic skills may have seemed silly at the time, but following them gives you more control over the car, and thus, more control to avoid a car crash.

Were You in an Accident and Need an Attorney?

Despite their best efforts, even the safest drivers are sometimes victims of serious car accidents. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a motor vehicle crash, contact a lawyer at Winters & Yonker, P.A. at our offices in Louisville, Kentucky, or Tampa, Florida. We will aggressively seek full and fair compensation on your behalf.

We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case.