Driving Defensively: Tallahassee Auto Accident Lawyer Shares Tips to Avoid a Crash

Social distancing and wearing a mask are not the only ways to protect yourself these days. With all the driving we do in Tallahassee, practicing safe driving techniques can help you stay safe and avoid a car crash.

Our Tallahassee auto accident lawyer knows that you cannot always control what other drivers do on the road. But you can take measures to compensate by driving defensively.

Anticipate Mistakes by Other Drivers

Other drivers on our Florida roads can and will make mistakes. The way you prepare could make all the difference in the effect those mistakes have on you.

One way to be ready for mistakes is to allow an adequate buffer zone between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Experts recommend at least two to three seconds of lead time.

A Tallahassee auto accident attorney sees many crashes that result from tailgating situations. If another driver is tailgating you, it is wise to allow even more buffer space so that if you are hit from behind, you are not as likely to be pushed into the car in front.

Be aware of the other vehicles and know when you are entering other drivers’ blind spots. Then anticipate taking evasive action if the other vehicle comes too close.

Stay Focused on the Road

We take it for granted because it is such a common task, but driving a car is a complicated and dangerous job. Drivers control thousands of pounds of metal moving at unnatural speeds, and even a slight deviation from the planned path can lead to a potentially disastrous accident.

Distractions such as cell phones can easily take your attention away from the road, as a Tallahassee auto accident lawyer sees all too often in cases involving collisions with trucks and other vehicles. To drive defensively, keep your eyes focused on the road, looking several car lengths ahead to see the problems that drivers in front of you may face so you can be prepared and react accordingly.

Our Tallahassee Auto Accident Lawyer Recommends Developing Safe Driving Habits

Another key to defensive driving and avoiding collisions is to develop safe driving habits. These include:

• Driving at a speed that is safe for weather conditions
• Wearing a seatbelt
• Anticipating yellow lights changing to red
• Using turn signals
• Driving only while alert and sober
• Using headlights appropriately
• Maintaining tire pressure and other vehicle maintenance
• Avoiding sudden changes in speed

A Tallahassee auto accident lawyer sees painful results when drivers fail to follow these practices.

When Defensive Driving is Not Enough, Talk to a Tallahassee Auto Accident Lawyer

It is impossible to know just how effective defensive driving techniques can be for you because you will never know about the crashes you avoided by allowing adequate buffer space, anticipating problems, and practicing other safe driving habits. If all vehicles on the road operated according to defensive driving principles, collisions would be a rarity.

Unfortunately, they are not. When another driver’s irresponsibility leads to your injury in a car crash, a Tallahassee auto accident lawyer can help. For a free consultation to learn more about your options after a collision, contact us online or call us at 888-549-7011 today.  We also help accident victims in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach.