Vehicle collisions aren’t uncommon by any means, they unfortunately happen every day. Some are minor, with zero injuries and minimal property damage. Sometimes, even the involved vehicles aren’t even dinged.
Other car accidents are more serious and result in significant injuries and vehicle damage, and fatalities can also occur. If you’re wondering how common auto collisions are in Texas, there were an estimated 15,300 serious car accidents in 2022.
While you unfortunately can’t avoid every type of car accident. For example, you can’t always get out of the way when another driver suddenly starts backing out of a parking spot. You can take steps to stay safer on Texas roads and minimize your risk of becoming a serious car accident statistic.
Tips for Staying Safe Behind the Wheel
As we just mentioned, you can’t avoid all types of car accidents. You can’t control another driver’s behavior but you can take some precautions that can help you stay a little safer behind the wheel.
Have the Right Attitude
If you feel a little powerful sitting behind the wheel, it’s not uncommon. After all, most passenger vehicles weigh at least 3,000 pounds and that’s a lot to control at any speed.
Add in the height you get with some pickup trucks, and you may start viewing other drivers as annoying obstacles in your way. This attitude can be fun but it can also be dangerous.
Remember, you’re sharing the road with other drivers. You owe them a duty of care and this means following all traffic laws and refraining from engaging in reckless driving behavior.
Before you turn over the ignition, take a minute to remind yourself that you’re sharing the road with others. Leave the feeling of power behind, it doesn’t have a place on the road.
Don’t Forget Your Seatbelt
Yes, seatbelts can feel confining and the straps can rub uncomfortably against your skin. Every time you apply your brakes, the seatbelt tightens, sometimes uncomfortably.
As annoying as seatbelts can be, they also serve a vital purpose. Your seatbelt works to protect you in the event of an accident. Simply wearing your seatbelt can be the difference between sustaining catastrophic injuries or a few cuts and bruises.
Besides, wearing a seatbelt is both a federal and state law—you’re not going to jail for not wearing a seatbelt, but you can end up with a fine.
If you receive multiple failure to wear seatbelt tickets, your auto insurance carrier may view you as a potential liability and increase your monthly premiums. Wearing a seatbelt isn’t going to prevent an accident but it can help minimize your damages.
Never Drive Under the Influence
Around 26% of traffic fatalities in 2022 involved a drunk driver. While Texas is taking steps to cut down on DUI incidents, the state is still ranked 3rd in the nation for DUI-related fatalities—this is a statistic you don’t want to be included in. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to avoid causing a DUI accident: never get behind the wheel when you’re intoxicated.
While you have complete control over your behavior, you can’t prevent others from driving drunk. However, you can take a few steps to stay a little safer on the road. Don’t drive close to a vehicle that’s swerving from one lane to another. If you notice a car driving too close or along the median or lane dividing line, it’s a good idea to keep your distance. You also want to be on the lookout for cars traveling in the wrong direction.
If you do suspect another driver of being intoxicated, report the suspicious behavior immediately to the authorities. Call 9-1-1 and report the vehicle’s approximate location and direction it’s traveling to the emergency operator.
Put Down Your Cell Phone
Phone calls and texts can wait until you pull over. Not only is it illegal to use your phone while driving, it’s also dangerous.
Even taking your eyes off the road for a second can result in a traffic accident. If you’re involved in an accident while using your cell phone, you’re almost always the at-fault driver. This means your insurance is responsible for covering everyone’s damages.
Most newer model cars are equipped with infotainment systems that allow you to connect your cell phone. Using voice commands, you can answer and make calls. You can also send texts without picking up the device.
Something else to consider before pulling out is the radio station and GPS. Set your radio before leaving and this also applies to your GPS coordinates. Getting everything set before driving off reduces distractions and helps keep your eyes on the road.
Pay Attention to the Weather
Pretty much everyone can handle road conditions when the weather’s nice. However, it’s a little different when roads are slick and visibility is poor. Paying attention to the weather forecast before heading out the door lets you know what to expect, so this way, you’re ready to drive a little slower in wet, rainy, snowy, or foggy conditions.
A quick safety tip for driving in poor visibility: don’t use your high beams, as all you’re doing is creating a hazard for other drivers. Your high beams can’t noticeably improve visibility and can blind oncoming drivers, resulting in a vehicle accident.
If you’re not used to driving in adverse weather conditions, take it slow and try to get in some practice. For example, try driving in the rain or fog on a less traveled road before hitting the highway.
Keep Up with Vehicle Maintenance
You can be an incredibly safe and cautious driver, but it’s only helpful if your vehicle is safe. Tires with worn tread and bald spots are a safety hazard. Not only is traction reduced, but you’re also risking a blowout.
Keeping up with maintenance is an easy way to extend the life of your vehicle and help prevent you from becoming a traffic accident statistic.
What To Do After a Traffic Accident
After your accident—along with seeking medical attention and assessing your damage—you should also call an experienced accident attorney. Navigating the insurance claim process can be complicated, even if you are not the at-fault driver.
An attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other damages, taking you through each step of the process and actively advocating on your behalf. Their expertise can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim, allowing you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities.
