Tips for staying safe while driving

On Behalf of | Feb 22, 2021 | car accidents

A car accident may cause serious injuries to drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to minimize your risk of being involved in a wreck while traveling on Indiana highways. Those steps include minimizing distractions, adjusting for poor weather conditions and communicating with other drivers on the road.

How to minimize distractions while driving

One of the easiest ways to keep your focus on the road is to keep your smartphone out of reach. If you need to use it to make a call, get directions or respond to a text message, make sure to do so after coming to a complete stop. Driving without passengers can be another easy way to reduce the risk of becoming distracted while on your way to work or school.

How to adjust for weather conditions

It may be best to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of inclement weather as low visibility may increase the chances of a motor vehicle accident. The same may be true if there is reason to believe that the roads will be covered in ice, snow or other debris. However, if you have to drive when the roads are likely to be in poor condition, be sure to leave home 15 or 20 minutes early. This will allow you to get to your destination safely while traveling at a reduced speed. Ideally, you will have your car inspected prior to the winter season to ensure that it is capable of getting you to a given destination safely.

Tips for communicating with other drivers

While you can’t literally talk to other motorists while driving, there are ways that you can tell them what you’re planning to do at any given time. For example, using your turn signal tells another motorist that you’re going to be changing directions.

If you’re hurt in a motor vehicle collision, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney may use witness statements, medical records or other evidence to show that the crash was caused by another motorist’s negligence.