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Residents of Texas are known for their warm attitudes and kind hearts, always willing to help out a neighbor in need. Unfortunately, however, the roadways don’t always share this positive reputation, as catastrophic accidents take place far too often throughout our state. The Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) reports that in 2013 alone, 3,377 individuals lost their lives in car crashes, with numerous more sustaining serious injuries.
Sadly, so many accidents can be prevented by drivers who take specific actions to evade collisions. This year, commit to avoiding an accident at all costs and test out these top seven tips to stay safe on Texas roads.
- Slow Down
As a motorist, one of the easiest ways to stay safe is by always adhering to the speed limits posted on the roads. The National Safety Council posits that speeding kills an average of 28 people per day throughout the country, amounting to over 10,000 deaths each year. - Don’t Drink and Drive
Billboards flank the highways, and commercials appear each day on TV with the same message: don’t drink and drive. And this slogan is repeated for good reason: TDOT asserts that over 6,000 serious injury crashes resulted in 2013 where at least one driver was intoxicated. - Prepare for Inclement Road Conditions
We may be blessed with warm weather nearly year-round, but ice may form during the winter on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. In the event of ice on the road, the Texas Department of Public Safety advises drivers to drive below the speed limit and give other drivers plenty of room. In the event of a skid, don’t slam on the brakes; instead, remove your foot from the gas pedal and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go. - Don’t Text and Drive
Over 400,000 people were injured in car accidents as a result of distractions, and text messaging has become one of the biggest contributors to this number. If a message is truly an emergency, pull the car over to the side of the road, or exit the highway, before looking down at the phone. - Maintain Your Car
If your car has any issues that could affect safety, take care of these before embarking on a journey. Similarly, if you suspect your car may be the subject of a recall, check out the online database at SaferCar.gov to be sure. - Avoid Altercations
Far too many motorists become agitated when driving, with some resorting to aggressive and even violent tactics to express themselves. If you see a drive becoming enraged, make an attempt to distance yourself as much as possible. Furthermore, take all steps necessary to ensure that you stay calm and collected as well. - Buckle Up
Remember that all cars are equipped with seatbelts for a reason. In the event you experience a crash, having a seatbelt strapped across you could prevent serious injuries and even save your life.
Have You Been Injured? Contact Us Today
Unfortunately, even the most cautious of drivers may still find themselves involved in a wreck. If you have been injured anywhere in Texas, please reach out to the personal injury attorneys at the Tate Law Offices, P.C., today. We are prepared to help you seek compensation for damages you sustained. Call us when you are ready at 888-565-7068 for a free initial consultation.
