Now that the New Year has arrived, it’s time to take stock of ways you can reduce your risk of serious injury. Driving is one of the most hazardous things most of us do on a daily basis, so becoming safer on your daily commute can do much to lower your risk of injury overall.
Drivers in Hollywood, Miami and across Florida face risks every time they get behind the wheel. Whether it’s drunk drivers, poor infrastructure, distraction, or other dangers, it only takes seconds to cause an accident. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce your risk:
- Get updated training: If you have never taken defensive driving training, it’s not too late to learn. If you have new mobility issues or an illness which can impact your driving, driving instruction can help you drive safely with your new physical reality.
- Visit your physicians: If it’s been a while, visit your eye doctor and general practitioner. Find out whether you need glasses or whether you need to get your prescriptions updated. If you have any problems sleeping or with symptoms which could affect your focus, a visit to your family doctor can make sure your health doesn’t impact your driving safety.
- Pay attention to little cues: Have you had near misses or fender benders? Do your friends and loved ones joke about how awful a driver you are? These may be clues which require some investigation. Does your car need work? Are you too distracted when you drive? Figure out what the problem is and address it before a serious accident happens.
- Adjust your car: If you are overdue for it, take your car in for a tune up. Even if your car is in good shape, take out to the owner’s manual and figure out whether you can improve comfort and visibility in your car. Take a few minutes at the start of the year to adjust your mirrors, seats, dashboard, and other systems to offer you better control of your vehicle, reduce glare, and overall improve your driving experience.
- Use technology: Get into the habit of tracking routes and weather as well as traffic conditions before you drive. Use your device to help you figure out your route to give yourself extra time if you need it. While driving, devices should be away but using tech before you drive can keep you safer.
- Drive less: The more you drive, the more likely you are to experience an accident. One of the best ways to reduce your risk is to reduce your reliance on driving. Consider using public transit, taxi, a ride share service, or other services when you are tired, distracted, ill, or emotionally upset.
If you have been in a car accident in Hollywood, Miami, Homestead, or anywhere in South Florida, Contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Hollywood car accident attorney. Our team has more than six decades of combined experience helping Florida residents who have suffered catastrophic injury. We are always available to help injured drivers in South Florida.