How Do You Stay Safe On the Highway?
Whether driving the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, venturing through the stunning landscapes of Yosemite, or simply commuting to work on the bustling freeways of Los Angeles, highways have become an integral part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, these roads are also dangerous, and every year, thousands of drivers get hurt or killed in accidents that could have been prevented.
In 2021, over 17,000 people were hurt in accidents on California roads like the I-405, I-5, and the 605 Freeway. These roads are notoriously dangerous and make the top list of deadly highways in the country for a reason. While you can’t prevent all accidents from occurring, you can reduce the risk of getting into a serious collision by taking some essential steps.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Highway in California
Prepare for the Trip
Even if you’re just commuting to work, you must ensure you and your vehicle are ready to hit the road safely. Proper preparation can make all the difference in preventing potential issues and enhancing the overall driving experience. This includes getting regular vehicle checkups, checking the condition of your tires, and ensuring that your brakes and lights are working properly. It also means planning your route ahead of time so you’re not distracted by GPS devices.
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is a proactive approach to road safety that prioritizes avoiding accidents and potential hazards. When you drive defensively, you can reduce the likelihood of a serious collision.
One of the fundamental rules of defensive driving is to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. This gives you enough time to react to sudden stops or emergencies. A general rule of thumb is the “three-second rule”: Keep at least a three-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. Increase this gap in adverse weather conditions or when driving at higher speeds.
Defensive drivers check their blind spots frequently. Always turn your head and glance over your shoulder to check blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Even if your vehicle is equipped with blind-spot monitoring systems, do not solely rely on them; always physically check the blind spots for complete safety.
Drive Cautiously
Driving cautiously is at the heart of responsible highway safety. By adhering to speed limits and staying in your lane, you contribute to a smoother traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Speeding is a leading cause of traffic accidents, significantly increasing collision severity. Driving at a safe and legal speed lets you maintain control of your vehicle and make more informed decisions.
Avoid weaving in and out of traffic, as it can be dangerous and unpredictable to other drivers. When changing lanes, always use your turn signals to communicate your intentions to surrounding vehicles.
Navigate Gridlock Easier
The roads in California are known for their traffic, and the highways in Southern California are often packed with cars at all hours of the day and night. It takes a lot of patience to get through California traffic sometimes.
While gridlock is frustrating, getting agitated won’t help. Keep your emotions in check and maintain a positive attitude. Avoid aggressive driving behaviors, such as honking excessively or tailgating.
Treat fellow drivers with courtesy and consideration, recognizing that they, too, have their own destinations and priorities. Avoid aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating, cutting off other drivers, or engaging in road rage.
Merge Safely
Merging is a delicate maneuver that requires synchronization and cooperation between drivers. When merging onto the highway, use your turn signals and blind spots. Always adjust your speed to match the traffic flow before merging. Maintain a consistent speed and trajectory while merging to help other drivers anticipate your actions. If you’re already on the highway when another driver tries to merge, give them space and work together to avoid collisions.
Avoid Dangerous Behavior
To ensure the safety of yourself and others on the highway, it’s crucial to avoid dangerous behaviors that can lead to accidents and tragic consequences. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and refrain from texting while driving.
Texting while driving is a highly distracting and potentially deadly behavior. It takes your attention away from the road and increases the risk of crashes. To eliminate this hazard, put your phone away before driving or enable “do not disturb” mode.
In one recent year, 1,069 people died in traffic accidents in California because of a drunk driver. This represented 30 percent of all fatalities that year. Over the last decade, nearly 10,000 people died in drunk driving accidents in our state. To stay safe on the highway, do not drink and drive. Remember, even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Instead, call an Uber or a Lyft and get home safely.
Contact Our San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a car accident, call a San Bernardino car accident attorney today at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. We will work tirelessly to help you secure the compensation you need – and deserve.
Our lawyers want to meet with you for a free initial consultation and review. We can answer your questions and give you legal guidance during this meeting. Call (909) 890-1000 or complete our confidential contact form today.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.