Defensive Driving Techniques

Improvements in technology and car safety help to lower the number of car accidents and fatalities; however, this does not help to account for the top cause of auto accidents across the country: driver error. The best way to reduce the risk of being involved in a collision is to practice safe driving. Regardless of whether you are just learning how to driver or if you’ve been driving for yours, motorists of any skill level can benefit from learning defensive driving techniques.

In the event that you have been involved in an accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your losses if the wreck was caused by the actions or negligence of another. You may be eligible to recover losses from medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional anguish and other damages related to the collision.

To begin exploring your legal options, contact our lawyers today by completing the Free Case Review form to the right of this page.

Defensive Driving Tips

There is no way to guarantee that you will not be involved in an auto accident; however driving defensively can significantly lessen your chances. Sacramento drivers should follow these tips in order to keep themselves, their passengers and others sharing the road or highway safe:

  • Never get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Over 30 percent of all car accident fatalities in this country involved drivers who were impaired by alcohol.
  • Obey the speed limit. Studies have shown that for every mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of your being in a crash increased by four to five percent.
  • Avoid distractions. In the state of California, it is illegal to write, send or read text messages while driving a motor vehicle. Additionally, drivers are prohibited from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a vehicle (drivers over 18 years old are allowed to use a hands-free device. Eating, applying makeup, playing with electronic devices, and interacting with passengers can also be distracting to drivers.
  • Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel. According to a study conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech, 20 percent of all accidents have sleepiness to blame as a contributing factor in the crash.
  • Wear a Seat Belt. When worn properly, seat belts prevent passengers from being thrown around the inside of a crashing vehicle or through the windshield. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over half of all traffic fatalities involved passengers who were not wearing a seat belt.
  • Exercise caution in bad weather conditions. If you are driving through fog, heavy rain or on icy roads, its important to be extra cautious.
  • Don’t follow too closely. Keeping a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you allows you more reaction time in the event that the lead car makes a sudden turn, slows down abruptly or stops completely.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Sometimes, it may not matter how safely you are driving. You could be obeying all of Sacramento’s rules of the road and another driver can crash into you. It is important to be prepared for unpredictable lane changes, sudden stops, failure to signal during a turn, swerving, and tailgating.
  • Maintain your vehicle on a regular basis. Proper vehicle maintenance is not just an important way to extend the life of your car, but its also critical in keeping you and your passengers safe while on the road.

Contact a Knowledgeable Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer Today

No one ever expects to be involved in a collision. It takes only a second for an accident to occur, but the effects of a serious wreck can last a lifetime.

At the Arnold Law Firm, a personal injury lawyer from our firm can offer a free legal consultation to Sacramento accident victims. During your consultation, a member of our legal team can assess the merits and details of your claim and advise you on the best course in pursuing legal and financial remedies for your condition.

In an effort to ensure that our clients are able to afford representation in their pursuit for justice, our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that if you choose to hire our firm, there is never any cost to you until we are able to successfully obtain a favorable outcome for your claim. If we fail to do this, you do not owe us any fees.

For more information on the legal rights which may be available to California car accident victims and their families or to schedule a confidential, no-obligation case evaluation with one of our attorneys, please complete the Free Case Review form on this page.