Texas highways aren’t necessarily known for being the friendliest of roads. While the state offers warm attitudes, high-quality living, and several attractions, driving in Texas can definitely be a challenge. Too many lives are lost due to car accidents and collisions. Thankfully, there are many safety tips that drivers can prevent these life-threatening situations. We’re here to help you commit to safer driving by providing the best safety tips to guide you on your travels.
Always Give Yourself Enough Space
One of the best measures you can take to prevent an accident is to create enough distance between you and other drivers on the road. It is important to always refrain from following the vehicles in front of you too closely. It is also important to give yourself space between vehicles driving next to you, especially driving alongside semi-trucks.
Keep an Eye on Your Mirrors
Vehicles are equipped with mirrors for a reason. It is recommended to look into your mirrors regularly while driving, even if you are not turning or switching lanes. Doing so allows you to keep track of what is going on around you. For example, if you notice someone is recklessly driving or speeding, you can act fast enough to make sure you distance yourself from a potential accident.
Prepare for Inclement Weather and Risky Road Conditions
While warm weather is typical in cities across Texas, water and ice can very well (and very unexpectedly) come into the picture. If you are planning to commute during inclement weather, the Texas Department of Public Safety urges drivers to drive below the speed limit to prevent skidding. Drivers are also recommended to give other drivers plenty of room.
Get Maintenance Done Regularly
Should any issues arise with your vehicle that could compromise your safety on the road, you should take care of them right away. If a professional recommends immediate maintenance, do this as soon as possible. You never want to risk driving when maintenance needs to be done because you never know how your vehicle will perform on the road.
Distance Yourself from Aggressive Drivers
Far too many accidents or collisions or caused by “road rage” or aggressive drivers. If you find yourself apprehended by agitated drivers, the best thing to do is to stay calm and attempt to distance yourself. Never respond to agitated drivers with violent behavior. You never know when drivers could respond with violent tactics.
Always Follow Speed Limits
It can be easy to go over the speed limit when you’re running late to work or need to make it to an important meeting. Whatever the case may be, it is never worthwhile to speed. Speeding results in several accidents on a daily basis. With that being said, adhering to speed limits can prevent accidents and fatal collisions.
Make Sure Other Drivers Can See You When Pulled Over
If you need to pull over on the side of the road, make it evident to other drivers. Turn your hazard lights on immediately and slow down gradually. If and when you are ready to get back onto the road, you do not want to merge immediately. Slowly accelerate on the shoulder, turn your blinker on, and merge when you have enough distance between your vehicle and others.
It’s Better to be Overprepared than Underprepared
You never know when you might need tools or a car kit while you’re on the road. Most car kits come with jumper cables and tools to swap out a tire for a spare, including inflators, scissor jacks, floor jacks, tire pressure meters, and more. Should your car give out on you, you should keep a roadside assistance number handy.
Avoid Distractions While Driving
If you find yourself running late in the mornings, try to cut your morning routine or give yourself more time that way, you can drive comfortably. Understandably, you have to take care of several things in one day, but this is no time to multitask when you’re driving. Some common distractions that lead to accidents include texting while driving, eating, and applying makeup.
Slow Down, Be Courteous on the Road
Several accidents and collisions also occur when vehicles are trying to merge on freeways or highways. If you see that a vehicle is about to merge, the courteous thing to do is to slow down and allow them in. You should also be mindful when you are merging on the road and keep an eye out for drivers behind you.
Have You Recently Been in an Accident or Personal Injury? Contact the Aranda Law Firm, Today
While our safety tips are guaranteed to help you stay cautious, collisions can still happen. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a car accident, we’re here to help. Contact us today so we can get started with a personal injury claim.
