Safe Driving Can Save Your Life

On a recent morning, cars driven by Gina Lindsey and William Rhodes collided head-on on Meriweather Trail, killing both drivers. Accidents like this, which leave Alabamans injured or dead on the roads, are far too common. Indeed, even one accident like this is too many.

In our practice, we find ourselves regularly assisting victims and their families after a devastating accident. We hope that by reviewing some important safety rules, we can all drive more safely and help prevent that next accident from happening.

Drive within the speed limit

Often, this is hard to do because “everyone speeds.” But even if everybody speeds, it is still dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, more than 13,000 Americans die each year because of speeding. It is harder to stop a speeding car, and if there is a crash, the impact is greater because of the speed.

No distractions

We live in a world of distractions. Many people talk on the phone, text, and eat while driving. Children and other passengers can also distract a driver from the main goal: driving safely. Nearly 20 percent of all accidents are now caused by distracted driving.

Don’t drink and drive

Drinking resulting in even a low blood alcohol content lowers one’s awareness of the surrounding environment, and leads to poor judgment and a slower reaction time. Penalties for drunk driving become more severe each year.

Wake up

Driving while drowsy or sleepy is virtually the same as driving drunk in the way that it affects your ability to drive. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that drowsy drivers cause one-sixth of all fatal crashes.

Wear your seat belt

When accidents do happen, seat belts save lives. Always buckle up, even if you’re only driving for a short distance. Driving without wearing a seatbelt is against the law.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident, contact us to speak to one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.