Dallas, TX, 08/11/2015 /SubmitPressRelease123/

The year 2014 saw a high number of serious traffic accidents spotlighted in the media. Among the most shocking and heavily discussed was the fatal collision that occurred in June that left actor and comedian Tracy Morgan in critical condition and another person dead. Accidents like Morgan’s sparked calls nationwide for truck drivers and others to pay more attention while on the road.

 

Although motor vehicle accidents are typically unplanned events, there are certain behaviors that drivers can pay attention to help reduce their risk of being involved in a collision. Although saying goodbye to these things can prove challenging, identifying and making a pledge to not engage in bad driving practices can help make roads safer for everyone.

 

Falling asleep at the wheel, speeding, and driving while distracted are examples of behaviors that commonly lead to accidents last year that drivers should aim to avoid in 2015. The following are tips for better driving this year and in the years to come.

 

1. Rest before driving – Amy Witherite of the Texas based Eberstein & Witherite personal injury law firm states that “Over an estimated 150 million people have admitted to driving while drowsy, with a number also claiming they have fallen asleep behind the wheel according to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation.” Witherite who has represented hundreds of clients in accident injury cases further suggests that, “driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and should be a habit to stay away from.”

 

2. Don’t text and drive – Texting while driving is a problematic behavior that has led to thousands of deaths each year. It is one of the top behaviors drivers should vow to do away with in 2015.

 

3. Don’t play with GPS devices while driving – GPS devices are helpful for getting to an unfamiliar destination; however, safety issues are presented when drivers attempt to program them while operating their vehicles. GPS devices should be programmed prior to getting on the road.

 

4. Develop a safe driving mantra – Planning for how one will practice safer driving habits can help ensure that a good plan is put into action.

 

5. Realize that it really can wait – Driving should be the only focus of someone in operation of a moving vehicle. Everything else can wait until one reaches their final destination.

 

6. Allow more time to get there – Not being in a rush to get somewhere can help drivers avoid other risky behaviors like speeding.

 

7. Don’t drink and drive – It’s long been said, but it is something that never hurts to say again “never drink and drive.”

 

8. Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs or prescription medicines – Same rules apply as above

 

9. Don’t drive while visibly impaired – Driving when being unable to clearly see is a risky behavior. Some people feel that it is ok to get behind the wheel if their vision is somewhat blurry at night or in limited circumstances, but as a driver, it is important to make sure one can see road signs or traffic is clearly visible at all times.

 

10. Don’t engage in road rage – Getting involved in a dispute with another driver or passenger is never a safe idea; no matter what one has done to provoke you. Calmly leave a testy situation or call the police for help if it becomes dangerous.

 

11. Make sure your vehicle is in working order before getting on the road – Driving an unsafe vehicle can place the lives of drivers and everyone around them at risk. It is important to make sure proper maintenance is done on your vehicle on schedule.

 

12. Practice defensive driving – Maintaining an awareness of one’s surroundings at all times is an important component of safe driving overall.

 

13. Don’t speed – Speeding is a leading cause of the hundreds of thousands of traffic accidents that occur each year, and is a practice that should be avoided.   

 

14. Don’t take selfies while driving – A new phenomenon of taking selfies for uploading to social media has also become a driving distraction that causes many to lose focus on the road. Just like texting, or taking on a cell phone, taking selfies can wait.

 

15. Learn from past mistakes – Some drivers fail to learn from their mistakes, but it is important to allow traffic violations or other consequences of negligent driving behaviors to teach one a valuable lesson in safe driving practices.

 

Media Contact:

Lucy Tiseo

Eberstein Witherite LLP

Phone: 866-774-5410

http://www.1800truckwreck.com/

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