Did you know that 77% of drivers have been in at least one accident in their life? In many cases, individuals involved in accidents are not at fault, and they are the victim of a reckless or distracted driver. With that in mind, learning and practicing defensive driving techniques can help you and your family to avoid a major collision while driving.
What is defensive driving? Defensive driving is the practice of using safe driving techniques to avoid accidents by predicting potential hazards and doing your best to stay away from them.
Drivers who routinely use defensive driving techniques can expect:
- Decreased insurance premiums
- Lowered risk of being the victim of an accident
- Reduced risk of causing an accident
If you’ve already suffered injuries resulting from the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries, property damage, and more. Contact Paul Schrier at Schrier Law Group at 1-800-700-PAUL for your free initial consultation with an experienced auto accident lawyer.
Continue reading to learn more about how defensive driving can help drivers avoid accidents.
How Can Defensive Driving Help Drivers Avoid Accidents?
No defensive driving technique is 100 percent effective. However, regularly practicing defensive driving skills can drastically improve your chances of making it to your destination without getting into an accident. A few of the most effective methods to avoid car collisions in Florida are listed below.
Follow The Law And Pay Attention to The Signs
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding contributes to 26% of all traffic fatalities. While it may seem normal to go a bit faster than the posted speed limit, you should be aware that doing so drastically increases your risk of getting into an accident.
Further, it’s essential to pay attention to posted signs like:
- School zones
- Children at play / recreation zones
- Slippery when wet
- Etc.
Driving at a safe speed and paying attention to posted signs can help you and your family avoid disaster while driving on Florida roads and highways.
Only Use The Passing Lane When Necessary
The passing lane (the lane furthest to the left) is meant for drivers who need to increase their speed to pass other drivers momentarily. Generally, it’s not recommended to remain in the passing lane for most of your trip. Doing so can lead to traffic congestion and potentially create unsafe conditions for you and other drivers on the road, especially if you’re driving at a reasonable speed while in the passing lane.
Use Defensive Driving Techniques to Avoid Dangerous Situations
While driving, it’s imperative to practice the three defensive driving techniques that are proven to help drivers avoid accidents. What are the three basic principles of defensive driving?
- Always put safety first (i.e., higher importance than speed, comfort, or fun) and follow the rules of the road.
- Be courteous with other drivers and be aware of unsafe driving conditions and reckless driving behaviors.
- Keep your vehicle well maintained (i.e., brakes, mirrors, tires, etc.).
Keep Distractions to a Minimum
According to the CDC, approximately eight people are killed every day in car accidents due to distracted driving. Distractions can lead to devastating collisions that put you and other drivers at risk of injury or worse. With that in mind, examples of distractions you should avoid while driving include but are not limited to:
- Talking on a cell phone while driving
- Typing in directions while operating your car
- Eating and driving
- Sending or reading a text message or similar
Hope For The Best But Prepare For The Worst
Accidents can happen anywhere, to anyone, and at any time. With that in mind, it’s essential to be ready for the worst-case scenario. That means that you should always assume that another driver is capable of causing a dangerous situation. A few things you can do to help yourself prepare for the worse include keeping a safe distance, getting off the road when you notice unsafe driving, and practicing patient driving techniques.
Contact a Florida Auto Accident Lawyer Today
Sometimes, defensive driving techniques aren’t enough to help you avoid the recklessness of another driver. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to the fault of another driver, you may be entitled to maximum compensation. Working with an experienced auto accident lawyer can help you:
- Identify and collect evidence
- Negotiate with insurance providers
- Calculate your damages
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Contact Schrier Law Group today at 1-800-700-7285 to discuss your case with a proven auto accident lawyer.
