June Is National Safety Month!
It’s June, which means it is National Safety Month! The goal of this
month is to raise awareness regarding safety on the roads and for pedestrians
and bicyclists. We believe that it’s important for drivers and other
individuals to pay close attention to others around them, watch out for
the road, and share the road safely. With so many vehicles on the road,
failure to drive safely can cause serious collisions that may result in
injuries. Before you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, make sure you
take proper precautions to keep yourself and others safe.
At The Pittman Firm, P.A., we want to raise awareness to the issues concerning negligent and reckless driving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety / Highway Loss Data Institute estimated 2,336 fatal collisions in the state of Florida in 2014. In total, there were 316,943 traffic crashes in 2013, an increase of 12.65% from the 281,340 the year prior. These numbers are alarming and it should be cause for concern. This is why our Florida auto collision lawyer is dedicated to providing drivers and others on the road safety tips so they can avoid potential dangers.
Pay Attention to Your Blind Spots
One reason collisions occur is because some drivers may not check their blind spots. They may not take the time to check their mirrors and use a brief head turn to make sure there are no vehicles in the lane next to them prior to changing lanes. Make sure you pay close attention to your blind spots using correct mirror adjustments and your peripheral vision. Your mirrors should be set up in a way that gives you a panoramic view of what is behind you and what’s to the side of your vehicle.
Take a Second Before Driving When the Light Turns Green
It seems like everyone is always in a rush on the roads. Once the traffic light turns green, be aware of drivers coming from the cross street at the intersection that may run a red light. Because drivers may speed up to “beat the light,” they could be traveling at a higher speed that would cause a serious collision. Take a second to look for the potential danger of a crash before accelerating.
Share the Road
With many vehicles are on the road, it’s important to know that motorcyclists and bicyclists have rights as well. As such, it is the responsibility of all individuals to share the road safely so no crashes occur. This includes not tail-gating and leaving adequate space for motorcyclists, not entering bike lanes, and watching for pedestrians at crosswalks. Any oversight can result in a serious collision and someone sustaining serious injuries.
Watch for Dangers
There are other dangerous conditions on the road you need to stay alert for. Poorly maintained roads could have a pothole in the street or a missing traffic sign that warns of a stop or other road hazard. Lack of distractions such as cell phones, helps you to focus on the road.
Unfortunately, we can take as many precautions as we want to feel safe, but if others on the road are not doing the same, they can pose as a potential danger. At The Pittman Firm, P.A., we aim to hold negligent drivers accountable for any injuries sustained in a collision. Call us today to discuss your rights and learn if you have a case.
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