Be Prepared In The Event Of An Accident
An accident can occur at any time and to anyone. These accidents can be devastating and can completely derail your entire life. You may be left dealing with serious injuries that lead to a lifetime of pain and suffering or permanent disability. While you cannot predict when an accident will occur, there are steps you can take to seriously reduce the likelihood of being injured. We all know by now that seat belts and car seats really do save lives. Here are eight more safety tips that could save yours.
1. Put Away the Cellphone
Never use a cellphone while driving, even a hands-free device. Talking on the phone, texting, and scrolling through apps while driving can get you killed. Distracted driving kills more than 3,200 people every year in the United States, and that number remains stubbornly high despite increased public awareness and stricter laws. Having your phone nearby makes it all too tempting to pick up, especially when notifications come through. To remove the temptation entirely, place your phone in the glove box, your bag, or your back seat before you start driving. Better yet, enable the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature on your iPhone or Android so notifications are silenced automatically.
2. Wear A Helmet
Even if you are riding a motorcycle in a state that does not have a universal helmet law, it is always wise to wear one. Helmets are approximately 37% effective in preventing motorcycle fatalities and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. In Colorado, only riders under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets, but the data makes the case for wearing one regardless of what the law requires. The same principle applies to bicycles. Teach your children to always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding, and model that behavior yourself. Head injuries are among the most serious and life-altering consequences of bicycle and motorcycle accidents.
3. Learn The Signs Of A Concussion
Hitting your head is never a good thing, yet each year countless concussions go unnoticed because people do not recognize the warning signs. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, and feeling mentally foggy. Symptoms can be delayed and may not appear until hours after the injury. Concussions can have serious long-term consequences if not treated promptly and properly. If you or someone with you hits their head in an accident, seek medical evaluation right away even if they seem fine at first.
4. Pay Attention When Walking
Too many pedestrians are distracted while walking on sidewalks, in parking lots, and across busy streets. Playing on a device, multitasking on a smartphone, or simply not paying attention can lead to serious pedestrian accidents as well as slip and fall injuries. Put devices away when walking near traffic and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into crosswalks. Never assume a driver sees you just because you have the right of way.
5. Watch For Weather Changes
Weather causes thousands of fatal accidents every year, especially when drivers are not prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Before heading out, check the forecast for your area and along your route. If a storm is approaching or roads are icy, avoid going out unnecessarily. If you must drive in bad weather, slow down significantly, increase your following distance, and remember that bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the road. Colorado’s mountain roads and unpredictable weather patterns make this especially important for our region.
6. Call A Ride
There has never been an easier time to get a ride home after drinking. From traditional taxicabs to rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, safe alternatives are available around the clock. Never drink and drive, and remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. In Colorado, you can be charged with Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) with a blood alcohol concentration as low as 0.05%, well below the standard 0.08% DUI threshold. The consequences of an impaired driving conviction are severe, and the consequences of causing an accident while impaired are even worse. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver or arrange a ride before the night begins.
7. Prepare For The Unexpected
You never know when you will get stranded on the road. Everyone should keep an emergency kit in their vehicle year-round. For Colorado winters, consider packing blankets, hand warmers, de-icing solution, a small shovel, traction aids like sand or kitty litter, and extra warm clothing. In warmer months, pack extra water, non-perishable snacks, and a flashlight. Year-round, keep a first aid kit and roadside emergency kit that includes bandages, road flares, reflective triangles, jumper cables, and a basic toolkit. Being prepared does not just help you, it helps keep you safe while you wait for assistance.
8. Trust Your Instincts
If another vehicle on the road looks unsafe or dangerous, trust your gut. Give that vehicle extra space, avoid driving alongside it, and consider pulling over safely until it has passed. Drivers experiencing road rage, driving under the influence, or driving while fatigued can cause serious and fatal accidents. This is especially true around large commercial trucks. Truck accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes, and tired or distracted truck drivers are a genuine hazard. If you notice a truck drifting, braking erratically, or driving unusually, increase your distance and let them pass.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys
Even when you do everything right, accidents caused by negligent drivers can still happen. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, our law firm can help. At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, our Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys have the experience and resources to build a strong case designed to obtain maximum compensation for our clients. Call us today at (719) 578-1106 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to help.
