There are certain basic steps one can take to minimize their chances of being harmed in a car accident that most people are already familiar with. For example, you likely already know that your odds of being harmed in a car accident decrease when you obey the rules of the road, pay attention to other motorists, and maintain your vehicle properly.
However, our car accident attorneys want to ensure that you are as safe as possible behind the wheel. That’s why we’d like to share some of the following lesser-known safety tips that often get overlooked:
Check for Dangerous Roads & Intersections
Are you planning on driving in an area with which you are not very familiar? Whether you’re planning a long road trip or you’re simply spending the day handling an errand in a part of Washington State you don’t visit often, when planning your route, be sure to research which roads and intersections in the areas you’ll be traveling through are particularly dangerous.
It’s not uncommon for government agencies at the county level to track data regarding which roads and intersections in a given area are most accident-prone. Identify the dangerous roads that may be part of your route, and determine if there is a way you can avoid them without seriously inconveniencing yourself. If there is not, be sure to exercise caution when driving along these roads and through these intersections.
Pick the Right Vehicle Color
Whether you’re buying a new car or renting one while on a trip, be aware that the color of your vehicle can play a surprisingly major role in your safety.
Statistics indicate that black vehicles are involved in accidents fairly often. You may be able to guess why. A very dark car is difficult to see in low-light conditions. Additionally, black cars can blend in with the pavement at times, making them hard to spot even during the day.
Gray and dull silver cars also tend to be involved in accidents more often than cars of other colors. This is likely because they blend in with their surroundings in foggy conditions.
Most statistical analyses find that white cars are the safest. This is because, unless it is very snowy out, white cars are almost always relatively easy to see on the road.
Never Eat While Driving
You likely already know that driving while distracted is never advisable. You need to keep your full attention on the road to avoid being involved in serious accidents.
However, many drivers consider distracted driving to solely involve using a phone while driving or engaging in other such activities. They don’t realize that eating or consuming beverages while driving can also be very distracting.
Consider a very simple but very possible scenario. You take a sip of your morning coffee and hit a pothole, spilling the coffee on yourself. This “minor” incident can result in a major accident if it prevents you from paying attention to the road even for a moment.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you stay safe while driving. That said, you may one day be injured in a car accident resulting from someone else’s negligence, even if you strive to be responsible when operating a motor vehicle.
Our car accident attorneys at Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys can help if that ever happens. Learn more about what we can do for you by calling us at 800-529-0842 to schedule a free consultation.
