As more and more people return to normal activities after the pandemic, roads have once again become congested. Many drivers spent months doing little to no driving and may now be “rusty” or less attentive than they were before. During the pandemic, while there were fewer accidents overall, injuries and fatalities increased. One reason was that drivers became more aggressive and less cautious.
Always Remember to Drive Defensively
As I explained to my children, “the reason they call them accidents is that they generally happen by accident.” In 99.9% of cases, nobody intends to collide with another vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian. Yet accidents still happen.
In most situations, one or more individuals were careless, reckless, distracted, self-absorbed, or simply not focused on the safety of themselves and others.
By driving defensively, you reduce the risk you pose to others and improve your ability to react to the poor driving decisions of other motorists.
The Three-Second Rule and Beyond
One of the basic principles taught in driver education is the three-second rule, meaning you should remain at least three seconds behind the car in front of you. A more conservative approach is to allow one second of following distance for every 10 mph of speed. For example, if traffic is moving at 60 mph, maintain a six-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
While this may seem like a large distance, that gap gives you valuable time to react and slow down if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or becomes involved in an accident.
Many accidents occur because one vehicle rear-ends another. Some drivers are careless, some are aggressive, and others simply assume nothing bad will happen to them. When the car ahead stops unexpectedly, they often do not have enough time to react and avoid a collision.
Rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries and property damage. In some situations, they can also push vehicles into pedestrians, bicyclists, or additional cars.
By simply maintaining a safe following distance, you greatly improve your chances of avoiding an accident.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Although it may sound minor, low tire pressure can significantly affect a vehicle’s ability to brake and handle safely in emergency situations. Underinflated tires become more flexible, increasing the risk of tire separation, blowouts, and damage from potholes or road hazards.
Keeping your tires properly inflated helps maintain control of your vehicle and reduces the risk of accidents.
Keep a Flashlight and Reflectors in Your Vehicle
If your vehicle breaks down or you are involved in an accident, it is important to have a flashlight and roadside reflectors available. Reflectors can alert approaching drivers that your vehicle is stopped and help prevent secondary accidents.
Do not rely solely on hazard lights. If your battery fails, your hazard lights may stop working.
If You Have Been in an Accident, Safely Move to the Side of the Road
After an accident, your vehicle may be stopped in the middle of the road or an intersection. If it is safe to do so, take a few quick photographs of the accident scene and move your vehicle to the side of the road.
Remaining in traffic lanes or on a highway creates a serious risk that approaching drivers may not stop in time, potentially causing additional collisions.
Your safety and the safety of your family should always come first.
Gather Information at the Accident Scene
After an accident, it is important to gather information needed for insurance claims, police reports, and the protection of your legal rights.
Most cell phones now include built-in cameras. Use your phone to photograph the accident scene from multiple angles. Include surrounding landmarks, street signs, or nearby businesses to help establish the location of the accident.
You may also consider using your phone’s video recording feature to document conversations and the condition of the scene, where permitted by law. Following an accident, you may not be thinking clearly, and recordings can help preserve important details that might otherwise be forgotten.
Contact Our Lawyers to Discuss Your Rights
If you have been involved in an accident, contact our attorneys to discuss your legal rights. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries.
However, time limits for filing claims may apply. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Irene H. Gabo is a dedicated personal injury attorney based in Brooklyn, specializing in a wide range of personal injury cases. With over a decade of experience, she has successfully represented thousands of clients who have suffered injuries from motor vehicle accidents, construction incidents, dog bites, and medical malpractice. Known for her expertise and commitment, Ms. Gabo has recovered millions of dollars for her clients, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in Brooklyn, reach out to Irene for a free consultation and expert guidance on your personal injury claim.
