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Anxiety After a Car Accident is Normal: Learn How to Stay Safe on the Roads

If you have been involved in a car accident then there is a good chance you will feel some anxiety after the fact. This the brain’s way of trying to protect you away from a danger it has recently encountered. While it is normal, it can feel debilitating. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we recommend talking to a specialist if your anxiety is preventing you from living your life. If you cannot afford to see the right doctor or therapist, then you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. You can call us at 909-982-0707 to find out if this is an option for you.

In the meantime, it is a good idea to brush up on the things you can do to remain as safe as possible on the roads. Read on for some of the best tips we know of.

There are four tips that could change the way you drive

Today we are going to focus on four tips that can change your driving habits:

  1. Stay alert.
  2. Drive defensively.
  3. Creating a safe driving plan.
  4. Practice safety.

What do each of these mean? Keep reading below for details.

  1. Staying alert on the road
  2. This means avoiding distractions – especially technology. In this day and age, people often think that they can quickly glance at their phone to read a text message, change the song on their Bluetooth, etc. The reality is that that “quick glance” lasts an average of four seconds and it can result in an accident very quickly.

    If you are going to change the radio station, eat a meal, or even let your mind wander, then you should pull over first. You need to be alert on the road at all times to minimize accidents.

  3. Drive defensively
  4. You should also assume that the drivers around you are not paying attention. Always leave a two-second gap between you and the car in front of you. This gap should be even longer when driving on the interstate.

  5. Have a driving plan
  6. Your driving plan should take into consideration phone calls, rest breaks, and potential delays like traffic when going through large cities. Having a driving plan means that you will not feel the need to rush, which reduces your urge to speed. Make sure that your plans also include seatbelts, properly securing any cargo, getting cash ready for tolls, etc.

  7. Practice safety
  8. If you are pulled over the police, put your hands on the steering wheel and only take them off to get your documentation when the police ask you to. If you are involved in an accident, stay at the accident to assess the damage done and any injuries. If there are injuries, even if they are not catastrophic injuries, then emergency services should be called.

These tips will help you stay safe on the road, which can help reduce your anxiety. To learn more about your legal options, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.