Traffic can be a very dangerous place for everyone involved if just one person is not careful enough. According to some research, around 93 percent of all traffic accidents come as a result of DUI driving. Even worse, every 48 hours, someone dies from driving-related accidents in the United States. This proves that DUI driving is a deadly venture and that it should not be happening nearly as much as it does. Driving under the influence causes the driver to have impairment judgment which can be fatal in the long run.
Of course, there have been numerous companies that make people realize how dangerous it can be, and warn people about the dangers of driving. However, things have hardly improved over the years. The reality is still the same, and although you can take measures and avoid accidents like this, you can never be sure the others are doing the same. So, how do you avoid these accidents? Stick around because this article has tips to help you avoid DUI driving-related accidents and stay free of as much risk as possible.
Always Make Sure to Fasten your Seatbelt
Seatbelts can be a life saver and they are there for a reason. Therefore, you must never ignore them. Tighten them up as soon as you enter the vehicle and never take them off while driving. With seatbelts, you can defend yourself against accidents. In addition, seatbelts reduce the chances of the accident being fatal. So, fasten them up and worry less. The law requires you to do it anyway, you will save money from potential tickets in the meantime.
Maintaining a Relatively Generous Following Distance
Do not follow the cars in front of you too closely, suggests McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC, otherwise, you might be involved in a car accident. Remember to always maintain a certain distance to be safe. In fact, the distance should be double the recommended one at all times. This allows you to spot erratic driving so that you can take the necessary reaction on time. For instance, if you notice a swerving vehicle, consider slowing down until they get back on track, or let them go further on. If you notice an impaired driver, call 911 in the shortest time possible, but never while you drive.
Take Caution When Approaching Intersections
Although they are a necessary thing in traffic, road intersections can be confusing, overwhelming, and even dangerous, especially if there is a driver under the influence about to enter it. To stay as safe as possible, you have to approach them carefully and exercise a lot of caution. Remember that most driving accidents are associated with intersections where the person under the influence does not react on time or fails to notice what is going on. This is also where these drivers ignore the stop signs the most. Because of this, take time before making a move, remember to always look at both sides of the road and all other places someone or something may appear. Have a clear picture of the incoming traffic and proceed with caution.
Try not to Drive Late at Night
According to personal injury lawyers Larson Law Firm P.C, late-night driving is when most traffic accidents tend to happen. The reasons for this are numerous. For example, visibility at night is poor and most DUI drivers are on the road during these times, coming back from nights out, parties, and celebrations. It has always been advised to us to limit driving at night in general and to stay away from late-night driving especially during the weekends and around important holidays.
Holiday Driving Is Not Good
Speaking of the holidays, exactly like the weekends, they are a hazardous time of year for drivers. This is again because most drivers in that state are in a rush to get to multiple celebrations and gatherings, and it is the time of year when many drivers have at least a drink or two in them while driving. New Year’s Eve is a great example of this, when everyone is happy and when nobody thinks of consequences and problems that tomorrow may bring. Although it is hard to completely cease driving at these times of the year, try to limit it as much as you can.
Consider Being the Designated Driver
Designated drivers are people who are pre-picked to drive everyone home after a night out, people who usually volunteer to do so. In a perfect scenario, it is someone who never drinks whatsoever. When you are the sober one and behind the wheel, you are much safer than when someone tipsy is driving. In addition, be willing to give a lift to those who have are clearly in no condition to drive. They can always pick their car up tomorrow. With such a proactive approach, you will keep several DUI drivers off the road for the night. It will make driving easier and reduces possible road accidents.
How Can an Attorney Help After a DUI Driving Accident?
DUI accidents always appear to be on the rise, despite more and more effort to lower it. However, people can play a key role when reducing these accidents is concerned. If you have been injured or you know someone who has been injured by a DUI driver, it is important to speak to an injury lawyer like you can find on from a company like tulsa-criminallawyers.com in the shortest time possible. They have years’ worth of experience in this area and can assist you if you ever end up needing such services.
The Bottom Line
Traffic accidents always have the potential to be fatal, and it is often the unlucky people who did nothing wrong who suffer the most. Worse still, DUI driving can plunge you into untold circumstances and ruin your future and life forever. However, you can minimize driving-related accidents if you keep to these guidelines best to your abilities. Even though it will still not be enough, the above article contains tips that you should share with everyone you know, and that you can embrace and minimize accidents that could arise from driving in a state like that.
