It’s no secret that the number of miles driven by people all over the world has been increasing. If you are one of those drivers, it is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a driver. This article will cover some legal pieces of advice that can help keep you safe on the road, and out of legal trouble.
Know the different types of road mishaps
One of the primary things that you need to be aware of when you frequently drive is the different types of road mishaps that can occur. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to know what type you have experienced because this will determine how the situation should be handled legally. In this case, take the time to explore online sources where you may come across https://kerleyschaffer.com/truck-accidents-different-car-accidents. For instance, this article talks about how truck accidents greatly differ from car accidents. Another type of accident that requires much attention is a multi-car accident, which can be quite chaotic. It’s important to understand the steps you need to take when determining who is at fault after a multi-car accident as this can be quite a complex issue. In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for the damages caused by their negligence or careless driving. It’s important to document all the details of the accident in order to properly assess fault and liability. After this, all parties involved should contact the police and exchange insurance information. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to call for medical attention as well.
Comply with the rules of the road
There are several things that every driver needs to be aware of, such as wearing your seat belt, stopping before crossing railroad tracks, drinking responsibly if you do drink alcohol and you need to drive. In addition to this list, it is important to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in your state, and what you should do if they are broken. To learn more about this, simply search for “rules of the road in [state]” on Google and you will find a list very quickly.
Carry proof of auto insurance everywhere you go
One thing every driver should ensure is having the right kind of car insurance coverage for their vehicle. This will help them avoid any potential legal problems in case they are involved in an accident with another party. Even if you get involved in an accident that further results in personal injury, the team at Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. advises to immediately contact a personal injury lawyer to secure your compensation claim for your injury expenses. In addition to this, you should make sure that you have a valid proof of auto insurance with you at all times. This will ensure that it is easier for law enforcement officers to verify your coverage if they pull over either yourself or another driver involved in an accident.
Driving skills matter
How you drive matters, even if your car is old and in poor condition. Many people tend to think that their vehicle gives them power over anything on the road, but this isn’t true because bad drivers are everywhere. If you don’t want to risk getting into trouble with police officers or a serious accident with another vehicle, it is best to learn how you can improve your driving skills. While this isn’t an easy thing to do, one way of doing so would be by reading books dedicated solely to the subject matter. You can also enroll in a professional driving school, or check if your state offers any online courses on the topic.
Keep your car in top shape
Driving with malfunctioning parts is dangerous. Not only can it put others at risk on the road, but it could even cost lives if proper care isn’t taken. To avoid this from happening to you, you must make sure that your car is up-to-date with all the required services. This includes having your brake pads and rotors checked at least once a year, as well as getting an oil change every few months. If you don’t know how to do these repairs yourself, it would be best if you take your car to a professional who will be able to perform the services necessary.
Never text while driving
Texting while driving is illegal in many states. More than 30 states have already passed laws that ban texting while driving. Not to mention the potential dangers of doing so. This is because when you text and drive at the same time, your eyes are no longer focused on the road, which increases your chances of a car accident by over 400%. So keep in mind not to do it.
In case you need to be on your mobile device while you are on the road, try to find a safe place before doing so. Otherwise, you can always leverage apps that help you read and respond to messages without removing your eyes on the road. These apps are designed with speak-to-text and voice dictation features that enable you to respond using your voice rather than your hands.
Don’t drink alcohol and drive
The legal limit is .08% BAC, but don’t risk it. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal in all 50 states. Not to mention, it can also put your life at risk because you will likely be less attentive on the road and make mistakes that could lead to serious accidents resulting in injuries or even fatalities. It’s best not to drink any amount if you are planning on driving later. If you don’t have any other choice but to drink, make sure that you designate a driver or call for an Uber.
Keep a safe distance from other cars on the road
For you to be able to stop quickly if necessary, it is ideal that you maintain a safe distance from the cars in front of you. This will give your car enough time to slow down if it suddenly brakes, which could prevent an accident from happening. Generally speaking, experts say that keeping at least four seconds between you and other vehicles on the road should be sufficient enough for avoiding any accidents with them. When you are on the highway, make sure that you leave a bigger gap between your car and the one in front of you because of the speeds at which cars on this type of road are traveling.
It can be difficult to remember all of the advice listed above but if you keep a few tips in mind at every stage of your journey whenever you drive, it will reduce your risk for accidents significantly. In addition to following the safety guidelines listed above, always wear a seatbelt during any type of trip so that you don’t injure yourself in case there is an accident. Rest assured that with a little knowledge and attention to detail, you can prevent an accident and its legal implications from happening.
