Driving on California roads can be dangerous, and it can feel challenging. You do not have control over what other drivers decide to do, but you can take steps to drive as defensively as possible. Read on to learn about some of the most important tips for driving defensively, but know that you cannot prevent 100% of car accidents. If you are involved in one, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation as soon as possible.
Stay Focused
You should never share your focus – if you are driving, then the road should get all of your attention. Even something as simple as talking to other passengers or changing the radio station can take your attention from the road and increase your chance of being involved in a car accident.
Not only do you need to pay attention to what vehicles around you are doing, but you should be checking the road conditions, monitoring your own speed and position, obeying all traffic laws and traffic signs, watching road markings, checking your mirrors, and being aware of the vehicles around you. If you are doing all of this, then you do not have time to become distracted.
Stay Alert
Studies show that a person who is drowsy can be as unsafe to drive as a person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If it has been 18 hours since you last slept them, you might not be safe to drive. Driving while tired or intoxicated can reduce your awareness of what is going on around and you significantly reduce your reaction time, which makes it hard for you to act in time if an emergency occurs.
Leave Plenty of Room Between You and Vehicles Around You
You should not follow vehicles in front of you too closely because you will not have enough time to stop if they stop abruptly. You should leave one car length between them and your vehicle for every ten miles per hour you are driving. For example, you should leave six car lengths between you and another vehicle if you are driving 60 mph.
Resist the Urge to Speed
If you are in a hurry, it can be tempting to speed. If it seems that every other car around you is speeding them, it can be tempting to speed. However, know that the main difference between a car accident a person survives and a fatal car accident is often the speed at which the vehicle was moving. Remember that in inclement weather, you can be driving the speed limit and still be going faster than is safe considering the circumstances.
If you are involved in a car accident, then you should contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
