As Spring gets into full swing, Florida’s roads are getting busier. In 2015, March and April were among the worst months of the year in terms of the number of vehicle collisions. Even if you are just on your daily commute or making a trip to the grocery store, it is important to be particularly vigilant behind the wheel during this time of year.
Here are some of our tips for staying safe on Florida’s roads this Spring:
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road in Florida
1. If You’re In a Car, Wear Your Seatbelt
Florida law requires all drivers, all front-seat passengers, and all rear-seat passengers under 18 years of age to wear their safety belts. According to the Department of Transportation, in 2013 nearly half of all fatal accident victims were not wearing their seatbelt.
2. If You’re On a Motorcycle, Wear Your Helmet
While riders age 21 and older are not legally required to wear helmets in Florida, wearing a helmet is still a very good idea. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing deaths, and 67 percent effective in preventing traumatic brain injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident.
3. Watch Out for Signs of Drunk and Distracted Driving
Studies have shown that distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Unfortunately, we have plenty of both distracted drivers and drunk drivers here in Palm Beach County. When you are out on the roads, watch for signs of distraction or alcohol impairment among drivers, which include:
- Failing to maintain a consistent speed
- Swerving and meandering back-and-forth within a lane
- Delayed reactions to red lights and other vehicles’ movements
4. Keep a Safe Distance
If you are driving in heavy traffic, or if you see someone who looks like he or she may be drunk or distracted, be sure to leave plenty of buffer between you and the cars around you. If someone jumps in front of you, don’t tailgate. Instead, re-establish a safe following distance and continue on your way.
5. Avoid Aggressive Drivers
In springtime traffic, it can heat up – both literally and figuratively – on ’s roads. While the rising temperatures and congestion can make it easier to lose your cool, you want to avoid getting involved in road rage at all times. To put safety first, try to avoid engaging with aggressive drivers.
What to Do if You Have Been Injured in an Accident
Unfortunately, in many cases, there is simply nothing that even the safest drivers and riders can do in order to avoid dangerous collisions. If you have been injured in an accident in Palm Beach County, the experienced legal team at Brian D. Guralnick, Injury Lawyers can help you enforce your legal rights. For more information, read What Should I do After a Car Accident? or simply for a free consultation.
Call Me, Brian, to Discuss Your Palm Beach County Auto Accident
At Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers, we have been helping Palm Beach County auto accident victims recover compensation for their injuries since 1993. I started the firm because I am passionate helping accident victims stand up for their legal rights. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident and you want to Demand More® for your losses, please call me today.
Were you or a loved one injured in an accident?
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