We can all do our part to lower the number of car accidents by doing simple, common sense things like driving defensively, focusing on the road, and being aware of what other drivers are doing, especially at intersections.
We’d like to share some practical, effective ways to prevent traffic accidents.
You have seen drivers who were not paying attention barrel right through a stop sign or red light. Yes, you have the right of way on a green light or if you stopped first at a 4-way stop sign. But a quick pause and situational awareness can save lives.
14 Driving Safety Tips to Prevent Traffic Accidents
- Avoid distractions like texting, eating, very loud music, etc…
- Insist that all occupants fasten their seat belts every time.
- Don’t drive unless you are alert and sober.
- Avoid tailgating.
- Keep your car well-maintained.
- Inspect your vehicle for problems before driving.
- Check that your brake lights, headlights, and turn signals are functioning properly.
- Don’t drive too fast for dangerous conditions.
- Avoid driving during flash floods and icy or snowy conditions if possible.
- Drive defensively, expecting other drivers to make mistakes.
- Don’t speed.
- Use your turn signal every time.
- Always observe the proper right of way laws.
- Give plenty of space for bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
Risky driving statistics from NHTSA.gov
- 90.7% of people wore seatbelts in 2019
- Seatbelts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents (for pedestrians)
We have had too many pedestrian deaths in South Carolina this year. One of the most dangerous times for people to be walking near the roadways is at night. Other risk factors for pedestrians to be involved in an accident with a motor vehicle include alcohol consumption prior to walking or using medications or drugs that could cause drowsiness or impaired judgement.
We would encourage people not to walk or drive if they are not sober and to follow all SC safety guidelines to prevent tragic accidents.
People over 65 should be especially careful when walking as they account for 20% of all pedestrian deaths, according to the CDC. And young children should never walk alone at any time near roadways.
The CDC reports that “most pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas, at non-intersection locations, and at night.”
Safety Tips for Walking at Night
- Don’t wear dark colored clothing. Wear white or something reflective and highly visible.
- Carry a light so that drivers can see you more easily.
- Do not walk in the road. Drivers will not expect people to be on the roadways.
- In the city, only cross the street at traffic lights with crosswalks.
- Don’t assume drivers can see you.
- Consider getting a ride from a friend or Uber/Lyft instead of walking along a busy road at night with no sidewalk or shoulder.
- Walk facing traffic so you can see what is happening.
- Keep your eyes on the road and the traffic. Drivers can do unexpected things sometimes.
- Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by earphones, music, or your phone.
- When possible, try to avoid walking at night. Try to walk during the day for exercise or use a treadmill inside if you are simply walking for exercise. If you need to walk to the store, try to go during daylight hours.
If you or a loved one has been hit and seriously injured by a driver in South Carolina, it’s critically important that you get in touch with legal counsel right away. Our South Carolina Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys can help if you are injured. If it was the other person’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. But you’ll need a personal injury lawyer who knows the ropes in your corner to be sure you aren’t taken advantage of.
Preventing Motorcycle Accidents (for motorcycle riders)
- Wear a helmet
- Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Avoid speeding
- Be alert for careless drivers
- Take a safety course
- Use great caution with left turns
- Follow all laws
Preventing Bicycle Accidents (for bicycle riders)
- Follow all traffic laws and signs just like a car driver.
- Avoid cycling after dark, if possible.
- Wear bright lights and bright, reflective clothing.
- Don’t drink alcohol before your ride.
- Wear your helmet every ride.
Preventing Tractor Trailer Truck Accidents (for other drivers)
- Give trucks extra space to brake.
- Give large trucks room to turn.
- Avoid being in a truck’s blind spot.
- Give truckers plenty of room on steep inclines or declines.
- Avoid cutting suddenly into the oncoming path of a truck.
- Never pull out quickly in front of a tractor-trailer truck, they can’t stop as quickly as a car can.
If You Have Been in an Accident
If you have been in an accident involving another vehicle, here are 10 things you need to do right away to be sure your insurance or the other driver’s insurance covers your related medical debt and other damages.
Be sure to keep up with the police report, your medical bills, your mileage to and from medical appointments, any property damage reports, health insurance receipts, and your lost wages so that you can give them to your Columbia SC personal injury attorney to help you file your claim.
No-Fault VS At-Fault Insurance
Check with your auto insurance company and your Columbia SC car accident lawyer to find out who is responsible for medical payment coverage and expenses in your state when there is an accident.
Also research whether you need at-fault insurance, no-fault insurance, or both, for your own financial protection.
A no-fault state requires your own personal injury coverage insurance (pip insurance or pip coverage) to cover your expenses—and those of your passengers—regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
In an at-fault state, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover other people’s accident-related expenses up to certain liability limits.
Looking for a Personal Injury Law Firm Near You?
At Burriss and Ridgeway, we have experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyers who understand different types of personal injury cases.
If you have been in an accident and need legal representation from our South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys to help you file a personal injury claim,
Please contact us today.
We would be glad to provide you with a free consultation if you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s carelessness. Our South Carolina truck accident attorney can help you today.
Find out of we can recover compensation for pain and suffering, personal injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and other damages you may have sustained from a car crash or other type of motor vehicular accident.
We have offices conveniently located in Lexington, Orangeburg, and Columbia, South Carolina.
Related
When to Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident
10 Tips If You Are Involved in a Car Accident
10 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
