The Houston car accident injury attorneys at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD want to help make sure that you and your loved ones are safe on the roads.
By following the driving safety tips you can help reduce your risk of an accident, but if a crash does happen, Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD and Nader Rabie, JD will be able to help you secure compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Plan Out Your Trip
Always be sure to take time to plan and route your trip before hitting the road. By studying your route, you will be better able to foresee potential hazards and roadway conditions. You can also identify any delays, including construction or high traffic areas, and plan alternate routes or additional driving time.
Avoiding hazardous road conditions or just being prepared can go a long way toward avoiding a serious collision.
You should also check the weather before departure so you will know what to expect. A sudden thunderstorm or inclement weather can be anxiety inducing for any driver, so knowing the forecast can help keep you informed and focused on the road.
Check Your Vehicle
Ensure your car is safe by performing proper maintenance throughout the year, and you should carefully inspect your car before heading out on a long trip, including:
- Checking tire pressure and tread wear on all four tires, as well as your spare
- Replacing worn-out windshield wiper blades
- Making sure fluid levels are sufficient, including oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washing fluid
- Having your vehicle serviced if there are any leaks
- Making sure headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are functioning properly
- Verifying that lights and other equipment are functioning properly if you are towing a camper, boat, or trailer
Plan for Emergencies
Be sure to pack your car with an emergency kit in case you break down on the side of the road or become stranded. This kit should include the following items:
- Cellphone with charger
- First-aid supplies
- Flares
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Duct tape
- Basic tool kit
- Car jack
- Water
- Medications
- Non-perishable snack foods
- Maps
Make Sure Everyone Is Properly Restrained
Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that one out of every seven adults fails to wear a seatbelt when driving or traveling in a motor vehicle, greatly increasing their risk of suffering from fatal injuries.
Seatbelts can save lives, and you should make sure that everyone in the vehicle has their seatbelt fastened before hitting the road. This is not just good advice: it’s the law.
Under Texas law, children under eight years old who are shorter than four feet nine inches in height must be secured in a child passenger seat, and the seat must be installed in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturer.
Always Keep Your Focus on the Road
You should always focus on the road and other drivers because this allows you to foresee hazards and avoid them safely. Today, there are so many potential distractions that can take a driver’s attention off the road, so it is now more important than ever to stay alert.
Follow these tips to avoid distracted driving:
- Do not use cell phones for texting or talking while behind the wheel. Instead, pull over if you must make a call or send a text. As of September 1 2017, texting and driving is illegal across the state.
- Always program your GPS system before departure.
- Do not drive drowsy. Fatigue can impair focus and delay reaction times, and this can be potentially avoided by splitting driving duties with another driver or stopping to take a nap if needed. Plan to take breaks during long trips to keep yourself alert on the road.
- Do not eat while driving. Instead, go to a restaurant or rest stop.
Houston Car Wreck Attorneys
After being injured in an accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney in Houston to answer all your questions. You need to know that you’re not alone after being unfairly injured by the negligence of another party.
When looking for a qualified attorney to pursue a personal injury claim, look no further than West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD. Nhan Nguyen, Nader Rabie, and the rest of our legal team have years of experience fighting for the rights of Houston car crash victims, and we want to help you. The sooner you give us a call, the sooner we can help you obtain the recovery you need and deserve. Contact our law offices at 713-840-7200 to discuss your case today.
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