Road Safety: Driving Rules You Always Need To Keep In Mind
Car accidents are common, and they can lead to serious injuries or even death. While crashes are inevitable in some instances, they are preventable if road users exercise caution. No matter how experienced you are, it is always a good idea to remember the basics of traffic safety when driving. There are many things you have to do to maximize your safety on the road. Read on to learn the driving rules you always need to keep in mind.
Stay Alert
Once you are behind the wheel, you must stay alert, and there is no compromise on this golden rule. Pay attention to everything you do and closely watch the actions of other motorists. Do not work with assumptions since this can be dangerous. Furthermore, maintain a safe following distance and make sure your vehicle is in the right position. You should act responsibly when driving so that you do not confuse others. For example, do not randomly change lanes or turn without checking if it is clear. Always use your turn signals to warn other drivers, so they know what you intend to do in advance.
Avoid Distracted Driving
When you are behind the wheel, you should avoid issues like multi-tasking or distracted driving. Don’t use your phone or other electronic gadgets that can distract you. Distracted driving often leads to accidents and this is the reason why it is prohibited in many states. Reading or sending messages while operating an automobile is illegal. Any driver who causes an accident due to distracted driving is liable for paying compensation to the victim for the damages caused.
If you or your loved one is injured in a road accident in El Paso as a result of distracted driving, you are entitled to get compensation. To get the settlement you deserve, a simple online search for an El Paso texting while driving car accident lawyer will help you find the right legal professional to seek advice about your legal rights. Accident claims are often complicated since they involve many things. This is why you should seek strong legal representation to increase your chances of getting the settlement you deserve.
Follow Traffic Signals
You should always pay close attention to traffic signals like stop signs, give way signs, and traffic lights. Never cross a red traffic light even if the road is clear of traffic. Such an action not only compromises your safety, but it is an offense that attracts heavy fines and penalties. When you see a yellow or amber light, exercise caution since it will be warning you to reduce your speed and prepare to stop. If you hear a siren, pull to the side of the road and wait until the fire truck or police car passes. When you get to a stop sign, stop your car and check all sides before you proceed. You should also be mindful of bus stop zones, fire hydrants, handicapped signs, parking restrictions, and others. When you intend to turn, always use a signal to warn other motorists about your intentions.
Obey Speed Limits
Over speeding is one of the major causes of crashes on many roads. It’s essential to obey speed limits in different zones since they are not just arbitrarily placed. Instead, they are meant to warn drivers to exercise caution and maximize safety. When you are in a roadway designated as a low-speed zone, drive slowly. These zones include places with high vehicle and pedestrian traffic. If you drive above the speed limit, you can put yourself and other people at risk of harm.
Be Patient
It is vital to exercise patience when traveling since there are also other motorists on the road. In most cases, impatient drivers rushing to reach their destinations are the trouble causers. Safety on the road is more important than appointments. If you are involved in an accident, you may not reach your destination on time when you are injured or if the vehicle is damaged. This is something you can prevent if you exercise caution.
Another important rule you should bear in mind is that you should be predictable. For instance, don’t suddenly change lanes or stop since this can cause collisions from behind. Try to be careful to ensure that other drivers can predict your actions. This will help them react appropriately to your actions to maximize safety. More importantly, be considerate and yield the right of way to other motorists. Also, never make the mistake of assuming that the other driver will yield to you even when they should. Other people don’t observe traffic rules, so try to be on the safe side always.
Drive “Defensively”
When you are driving, you should be aware of what the drivers around you are doing. You should also expect abnormal things, and you must be ready to deal with any situation. If the other motorist does something crazy, you must be prepared to avoid a collision. You must also observe the 3 to 4-second rule to check around your car. If the weather is bad, you must exercise extreme caution and make sure your car is in good condition. Don’t drive a defective car on the road to avoid accidents.
Never Drive Under the Influence
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is one of the major causes of road accidents in various places. If you are under the influence of alcohol, prescription or non-prescription drugs, or any recreational drugs, stay off the road. It is illegal to drive after drinking, and this can lead to expensive consequences once you get arrested. A DUI arrest can lead to fines, a suspended driver’s license, or a prison sentence. Alcohol impairs your judgment and also lowers your mental capacity to reason.
Buckle Up
A safety seat belt is one of the best defenses in an accident. When you are involved in a crash, you will not suffer serious injuries if your seat belt is on. Therefore, the first thing you should do when you get into your car is to buckle up before you pull off. If you are the driver, you should ensure that the passengers wear their seat belts. Make sure the minors have special seats that are properly mounted.
Road accidents can be catastrophic, so they should be avoided at all costs. Most collisions are caused by human error, and this is the main cause of concern in various states. To ensure maximum safety on the roads, there are different road rules you should always remember. Experience does not make you a perfect driver, so you should respect other motorists.
