With a population of more than 21 million, it’s not surprising that Florida’s roads can become congested and overcrowded. Sadly, more than 400,000 collisions occur on Florida’s roads each year, but you don’t have to become one of the 255,000 people to sustain injuries due to car accidents. If you want to stay safe when you’re behind the wheel, take a look at these top five tips to avoid a car accident in New Port Richey, FL.
Table of Contents
1. Maintain Your Vehicle
A poorly maintained vehicle can be unsafe to travel in, so be sure to check the tire pressures, brake pads, and water level of your car on a regular basis. By taking your vehicle to be serviced, you can ensure that it’s in a safe condition, which could help you to avoid accidents and injuries.
2. Don’t Drive When Impaired
62% of driver fatalities in Florida involve drivers who have a blood alcohol count of 0.08 or higher. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs isn’t just illegal; it can significantly increase your risk of being involved in a serious road traffic accident too. To keep yourself and everyone else safe, arrange alternative transport or stay sober if you plan to get behind the wheel.
3. Avoid Distractions
When your attention is drawn away from the road, it’s easy to ignore potential hazards. A notification on your cell phone or even a song being too loud on the radio can distract you when you’re driving, so take steps to prevent this from happening. Keep music low and turn your phone off or put it onto ‘silent’ mode when you’re in transit to avoid distracted driving.
4. Stick To The Speed Limit
In the U.S., speed is a contributing factor in 26% of traffic fatalities, according to the latest statistics. By sticking to the speed limit, you can reduce the risk of an accident occurring; you can potentially lessen the severity of potential collisions too. A high-speed collision is more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities, whereas a slow-speed impact can cause much less harm.
5. Adjust To The Road Conditions
Your driving behavior should change according to the road surface, as the stability of your vehicle will vary. If you’re traveling on sandy, dirt roads around the beach, for example, you’ll need to go at a slower speed than if you’re driving on a tarmacked highway. By recognizing the road conditions and driving accordingly, you can avoid unnecessary accidents.
Dealing With A Car Accident
No matter how careful you are, you can’t always predict how other drivers will behave. If you’re one of the 7,500 people to sustain injuries due to traffic accidents in Pasco County each year, you’ll want to know what to do afterward.
As well as accessing medical help in the immediate aftermath, you can seek financial compensation by taking legal action against the person responsible. Click here to find out how easy it can be to obtain compensation after a car accident in New Port Richey.
With the right legal team on your side, you can focus on recovering from your injuries and overcoming the shock of the accident, while experienced lawyers fight to get you the settlement you deserve.
