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No one expects to get into a car accident. However, the truth is that the majority of adults will get into a car accident at some point in their lives. These accidents can range from minor fender benders to more serious and fatal collisions. In New Jersey, car accidents claim the lives of more than 700 people every single year.
While these statistics should worry you, it is impossible to prevent every accident from occurring. Even still, there are ways you can reduce the risk of getting into a serious and fatal car accident. Drivers can avoid car accidents in New Jersey by following a number of defensive driving tips. Defensive driving can help drivers become safer behind the wheel and avoid traffic-related injuries.
To help avoid catastrophic accidents this year, consider following these defensive driving tips each time you step behind the wheel.
Avoid Unnecessary Distractions
Distracted driving has become an epidemic in this country. Talking, texting and surfing the web are just some of the ways that drivers are becoming distracted. In 2008, the New Jersey Legislature banned the use of handheld devices while driving. However, this has not stopped some drivers from using them.
In order to reduce the risk of serious accidents, drivers should avoid distracted driving at all times. To do this, consider the following tips:
- Get GPS information ahead of time
- Set your phone to airplane mode
- Put your phone away and out of sight
- Use hands-free devices if you are talking on the phone
- Pull off the road to make a call
- Do not use personal care products or apply makeup while driving
- Avoid turning around to talk to backseat occupants
Wear Your Seat Belt
Wearing your seat belt is an easy way to avoid serious and catastrophic injuries during a car accident. Sadly, an average of 131 unrestrained drivers and passengers lose their lives in New Jersey crashes every single year. In 2017 alone, seat belts were responsible for saving nearly 15,000 lives. This is why New Jersey law requires all drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt in the car.
Along with the rules for seat belts, children under the age of eight and 57 inches in height must be properly restrained in a child safety seat. The Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines for choosing the appropriate car seat for your child.
Reduce Your Speed
Like distracted driving and failing to wear a seat belt, speeding is extremely dangerous. It is one of the easiest ways to get into a serious car accident. Drivers in New Jersey should pay close attention to the posted speed limit signs, especially in high-traffic areas, neighborhoods, and school zones. Speeding drivers pose a risk to everyone on the road. When you speed, you reduce your ability to react appropriately in emergency situations. In addition, higher speeds often result in more serious and fatal injuries.
Also, it is important to evaluate the road conditions when determining an appropriate speed. In poor weather or reduced visibility, you may need to drive under the speed limit in order to remain safe.
Always Drive Sober
Similar to speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against the law. However, even though drunk driving is dangerous and illegal, many individuals still drive under the influence. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that only one percent of drunk drivers are actually caught and arrested. Every year, drunk drivers cause more than 250,000 injuries and 18,000 deaths nationwide.
To reduce the risk of driving impaired, it is important to follow these tips:
- Arrange for a sober driver
- Download a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft
- Keep the number to a reputable cab company in your wallet
- Give your keys to a sober friend
- Do not drink if you are getting behind the wheel of a car
Contact a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, then it is important to know where you can turn for help. To learn more about your legal rights to compensation after a car accident, call the New Jersey car accident lawyers at Rosner Law Offices, P.C. today for a free consultation and review of your case. Contact us at (856) 502-1655 or fill out our confidential contact form. Our office is conveniently located in Vineland, New Jersey. Call today!