It’s a new year, and one of the most dangerous things you will do this year is to get into your car every day. Car accidents in Miami Beach and across Florida are one of the leading causes of head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities. In order to reduce your risk of being involved in a traffic accident in Miami Beach or anywhere in Florida this year, resolve to:
1) Take additional training. Since you last took drivers education classes, a great deal may have changed. You may have new health issues that affect your driving, for example, or you may be dealing with a car that is significantly different than the car you learn to drive in. Taking additional training or refresher courses can help you correct bad habits you’ve developed, can help you hone your skills even further, and can help reduce your risk of being involved in a traffic accident. In some cases, additional training can also help you save money on your insurance costs. If you don’t like the idea of refresher courses, racing classes can be a very fun and exhilarating way to hone your driving skills.
2) Get your car tuned up. A car that handles correctly and responds the way you expect it to can help save your life in the event of a collision. If you need to perform a maneuver in order to avoid a truck accident in Miami Beach or need to brake suddenly to avoid hitting a pedestrian, a car that works correctly will give you an added advantage.
3) Sign pledges with friends and family to avoid drunk driving and distracted driving. Drunk driving accidents in Miami Beach claim far too many lives each year, and distracted driving has become somewhat of a national epidemic, according to experts. Refusing to drive drunk or distracted can go a long way towards making you a safer driver this year.
4) Get into the habit of doing a quick “readiness” check before you drive somewhere. Before you hop into your car, take a look at whether you are distracted, whether you know where you are going, and whether you are prepared to keep your full focus on the road. If you are angry, upset, not feeling well, or fatigued, consider taking an alternative mode of transportation to your destination or resolve your emotions before driving. Distracted driving does not just mean texting. It can also mean driving tired, angry, upset, or with your mind elsewhere.
5) Consider taking a break from driving when you need it. If you drive a great deal due to your job or family obligations, consider setting up a carpool or another system that allows you to take a break from driving. The longer you drive, the more likely you are to get fatigued or distracted. In addition, driving a great deal requires a great deal of focus and concentration. Giving yourself a break can help you stay safer by making it easier for you to keep your full focus on the road when you are in the car.
If you are injured in a traffic accident in Miami Beach and you feel that the accident was caused by someone’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation. Before making any final decisions about your case, consult with a personal injury attorney in the area in order to get advice and assistance with your injuries. You can contact the Flaxman Law Group legal team at any time to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your case with a local personal injury attorney.