Car Accident Prevention

Auto accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in California. Sadly, many of these accidents are preventable. Taking measures to avoid car accidents is essential to protecting your safety and the safety of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Driver intoxication is the cause of many traffic accidents in the state. Nearly a third of traffic deaths in the U.S. involve intoxicated drivers, and California has an especially high rate of drunk driving fatalities. To stay safe on the roads, it is imperative that you never drink and drive. If a driver shows signs of intoxication, stay out of that driver’s vehicle. Further, if you see a car driving erratically, swerving, or otherwise indicating intoxication, stay far away, pull over, and alert the authorities.

An estimated 80 percent of traffic accidents in California involve some form of distracted driving. If you are operating a motor vehicle, put your phone away. Texting and driving, especially, is very dangerous. Listening to music or talking on the phone using headphones or earbuds is dangerously distracting and illegal in the state. Even the use of hands-free devices is distracting and often leads to a decrease in control over the vehicle.

Accidents often happen on familiar roads. Drivers let their guard down and drive inattentively because they are so familiar with the streets they are on. It is important not to lose focus on driving, even in well-known areas. Unexpected things can always happen: cars can suddenly turn into the street, pedestrians dash into the roadway, or other dangerous situations arise.

Sleep is extremely important to a driver’s function, and driver fatigue is a major cause of traffic accidents. Be sure to get enough sleep, get good sleep, and avoid traveling while tired. If necessary, pull over and take a nap and continue driving once you are better able to focus on the road.

All roadways in California have speed limits, but the state has additional laws governing drivers’ speeds. Drivers are required to drive at a speed appropriate for the traffic and weather, taking into account visibility and roadway conditions. Drivers should also take note of and obey other road signs.

Drivers can and should take several safety precautions to avoid accidents. First, drive defensively. Be aware of other drivers and of your surroundings, maintain a proper and safe following distance, drive at an appropriate speed, and always have an escape plan for possible driving emergencies. Additionally, drivers and all passengers should wear seatbelts at all times. Children should sit in age- and size-appropriate car seats or booster seats that are properly installed. Further, drivers should be sure to properly maintain their vehicles. Change the oil, check the brakes and tires, and perform all recommended maintenance.

If you have been involved in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, please contact a passionate San Jose personal injury attorney at Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. to schedule a consultation.

• Alcohol-Impaired Driving