How to Become a Safer Driver in Los Angeles
Posted on February 10, 2018 Written By: iadminlaw
There’s no two ways about it: Operating a motor vehicle is dangerous. It’s a necessary danger, perhaps, but a danger nonetheless. You never know what’s going to happen to you when you get behind the wheel of a car, so it’s important to be prepared for anything.
One way to be prepared is to know the name of a good car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, or wherever you’re located. That way, you have someone to turn to for help, should the worst-case-scenario unfold.
In addition to knowing some good Los Angeles car accident lawyers, you might take some simple steps to make yourself a better, safer driver. Here are some examples.
How to Drive Safer in Orange County
Stay in practice. For some people, this is a non-issue; you just have to drive regularly, to get to school or work. Even if you don’t have to drive that often, though, it’s wise to take your car out from time to time in order to hone your skills. That’s what driving is, after all—a skill. Don’t let yours become rusty!
Get rid of distractions. Distracted driving is the primary cause of highway accidents. The most obvious distraction is your phone; keep it out of reach while you drive, to avoid the temptation to check texts or emails. Also avoid other activities such as eating or applying makeup as you drive. Finally, know where you’re going and have your GPS set before you start driving; avoid fiddling with it while you’re on the road.
Adjust your mirrors before you start your trip. Take a moment to tweak your mirror positions and ensure they cover your blind spots; maximum visibility is one of the most important factors in safe Los Angeles driving.
Take a defensive driving course. This may sound silly at first—after all, aren’t your driver’s ed days well behind you? Actually, though, these courses can remind you of some key driving practices that will keep you and your passengers safe. Plus, completing a course can sometimes yield monthly savings on your auto insurance premiums!
Know the right way to handle the wheel. In previous generations, drivers were taught to keep their hands on the wheel in the 2 and 10 positions. Today, it’s generally accepted that 3 and 9 are the ideal places to keep your hands, exerting maximum control over the vehicle.
Don’t drive when you’re drowsy. One of the best ways to be a safe driver? Don’t drive when you’re mentally compromised. This includes any kind of sleepiness or fatigue. Whenever possible, avoid planning night time driving—and if you must drive at night, make sure you’re sufficiently caffeinated and ready to go.
Follow all traffic laws—including the speed limit. You may be tempted to speed, assuming it will get you to your destination sooner. That’s not actually the case; in fact, all speeding does is increase your risk of getting a ticket or being involved in an accident. Follow the Los Angeles traffic laws as they are posted.
Enlist a helper. You won’t always have a passenger in the vehicle with you, of course—but when you do, ask that person to help you operate your vehicle more safely. You focus on driving, and ask your friend to handle everything else—changing the radio station, adjusting the climate control, fiddling with the GPS, etc.
Give yourself plenty of time. When you feel like you’re running late, it can cause you to get stressed and make bad decisions, such as speeding. Make sure you provide yourself with a good window of time to make it to your destination and allow a cushion for unexpected delays—even something as simple as heavy traffic.
Seek Help from an Orange County Car Accident Lawyer
These tips will make you a much safer driver—yet even the safest drivers still face the risk of being in an accident. That’s why it’s important to know that there are Orange County car accident lawyers available to help you—like the team at I Accident Lawyer.
We only represent those who have been injured in accidents—never insurance companies or other big corporations. And, we fight for our clients to receive the maximum compensation. We hope you stay safe on the road—but please know that our Los Angeles car accident lawyers are standing by, should you need us. Contact I Accident Lawyer to learn more.