There are several driving behaviors that increase your chances of a collision. In addition, these behaviors increase the chances for serious injuries and fatalities in collisions. Let’s take a closer look at what they are and why you should avoid them.
1. Speeding.
When you drive over the speed limit, you’re less able to control your vehicle. This becomes increasingly important when negotiating intersections or areas where there are pedestrians or bicyclists. Going even just a few miles over the speed limit can make a big difference in terms of the severity of injuries in a collision.
2. Driving While Intoxicated.
When you drive under the influence of alcohol, your judgment and reaction times are impaired. Obviously, these traits are highly undesirable when you’re behind the wheel. Remember, in the State of Washington it’s also illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. Certain prescription drugs can also impact your ability to drive. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects when taking a new medication. When in doubt? Find a designated driver or wait until it’s safe to drive.
3. Driving While Distracted.
We often blame cell phone usage for causing distracted driving related crashes. But virtually anything has the potential to be a distraction – fiddling with the radio, eating, passengers, or even daydreaming! Minimize distractions as much as possible before starting your vehicle. Check your messages (and then silence your phone), tidy up any messes or loose objects, and save heated conversations for later.
We all have a duty to protect others when we’re driving. And even if you are an excellent driver, it’s possible to become a victim of someone else’s poor choices. We know this, because as injury attorneys, we help victims of car accidents every day. If you’ve been a victim and are wondering about your rights, please call us for a free, no obligation consultation. We’d be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you have.
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