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WAYS YOU CAN BE A SAFE DRIVER

On Behalf of | Dec 21, 2020 | Distracted Driving, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury

Being a defensive driver can reduce the chance of you being in a car accident. It can protect you and your passengers as well as other motor vehicle drivers on the road.

Many people think that when you pass your driving license test you know enough about driving. But, with any skill, you can always learn more. It’s easy to fall into bad habits or ignore new and improved techniques. Taking a defensive driving course could definitely be money well spent.

Across North Carolina there are online and classroom-based defensive driving courses available. These courses can not only keep you safer, taking a course could also reduce your insurance premiums – which means the course actually pays for itself. Below are some of the ways to drive more defensively, whether decide to take a course or not:

  • It seems simple, but expect the worst. For example, if you decide to pass on a narrow lane coming up to a bend, you should expect that someone coming from the other way, has the exact same idea.
  • You should have an escape route. Like the best chess players, the best drivers know their next move.
  • Pay attention to what’s going on around you. I’m sure you’ve been passed by a car and before it was passed you had not noticed it. So, scan the road and your mirrors regularly.
  • Give yourself time. You should leave space between you and cars in front of you allowing yourself more time to react.
  • You need to understand how your mental state affects your driving. For example, feeling stressed, tired, angry, hungover, and even sad can affect the way you drive.
  • Avoid distractions at all cost. You can’t know what’s going on around you if you are playing with your phone, opening chips or reaching in your bag.

Defensive driving doesn’t guarantee you’ll never been in an accident, however it could increase your chances of avoiding an accident or being injured in one. If you are injured due to the negligence of another driver, we encourage you to seek legal help. Call Hardee, Massey & Blodgett and one of our experienced personal injury attorneys will be happy to schedule a free consultation.