- December 14, 2018
If you live in the Greenville, South Carolina area, you may think you’re driving with some of America’s worst drivers. Turns out, you’re right. An August 2018 analysis by insurance website Insurify named nearby Greer as the worst US city for driver safety. As the website notes, motorists in Greer are 103% more likely to receive a speeding ticket than the average driver. And drivers there are 63% more likely to get into an at-fault accident than the average driver.
With numbers like these, from a city so close, Greenville, South Carolina motorists need to be on the alert. These are some tips from a Greenville car accident lawyer on how you can stay safe while driving:
Do not drink and drive. This is common sense and it’s the law. Fortunately, with so many ride-share options like Uber and Lyft in Greenville, avoiding drunk driving is easier than ever. Make sure you never get into a vehicle with someone who is intoxicated or impaired. Watch out for swerving, erratic driving and other signs on the road that someone is drinking. And, as always, if you know someone is actually driving or attempting to drive drunk, alert the authorities.
Do not drive while drowsy. You should never operate a motor vehicle if you haven’t had enough rest. Studies have found that sleep deprivation has similar effects on driving as consuming alcohol. As with drunk driving, you may overestimate your ability to compensate for your condition. Get the sleep you need before you get behind the wheel.
Stay alert. This doesn’t just mean looking out for drunk or tired drivers or maintaining safe distances between you and other vehicles. It means being aware of dangerous road conditions in Greenville before they affect you. It also means avoiding distractions like your cell phone, texting, or disruptive conversations with passengers. You should always concentrate on the road, so that cup of coffee or fast food can wait until you’re parked. The best way to stay safe is to keep your attention on the road and your immediate surroundings.
Watch out for blind spots. We are all familiar with blind spots, but it’s easy to overlook them. When changing lanes, you should never rely solely on your sideview or rearview mirrors. A speeding driver can quickly creep up alongside your vehicle and cause an accident. Check your blind spots directly with your eyes and reduce the likelihood of a collision.
Obey the speed limit. It’s easy to drive with “the pace of traffic” in Greenville, South Carolina. But speeding can both decrease your reaction time and increase the likelihood of serious injury or death in an accident. It’s a good idea to reduce your speed even more in rainy, icy, and other adverse weather conditions. Speed limits can change without notice, so pay attention as you’re driving.
Be mindful of car maintenance. Your vehicle should always be in proper working condition before you drive. Do not drive if your tires are severely worn down, as a blowout can cause a serious accident. Also make sure your brakes and other critical components have been inspected and, if necessary, fixed or replaced. Other parts, such as headlights or brake lights, are more difficult to keep track of but still necessary to maintain. Have your car regularly inspected and follow all maintenance reminders in your owner’s manual.
Consider purchasing a dash cam. Increasingly, motorists are using dashcams to record their time spent on the road. While a dash cam itself will not prevent accidents, it may help prove that another party is at fault. Dash cams can also be used to identify drivers who flee the scene after a hit-and-run accident. You should take precaution before purchasing a dash cam, however. Most places, including Greenville, South Carolina, have restrictions concerning their use. Know the rules and regulations in your jurisdiction before getting a dash cam.
WHEN TO CALL A GREENVILLE CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Although these tips may help keep you safer on the road, not all accidents are avoidable. In the event you’ve been in a collision, you may be faced with significant injuries, medical bills, and property damage. You need dedicated legal representation to protect your interests and get you the compensation you deserve. Statutes of limitation can seriously affect your ability to file a claim. For that reason, it is important that you not wait too long to speak with a lawyer. Contact the experienced attorneys at Hernandez & Cabra for a consultation today.
