Keep Yourself Safe Behind the Wheel

August 31, 2011 (Press-News.org) Anyone who has driven on Arizona highways lately knows that they can be an extremely dangerous place. While you may be exercising safe driving habits, it is not uncommon to see other drivers speeding or talking on their cell phone as they drive by. Unfortunately, some of these drivers end up causing serious accidents that could change a life forever.

Before heading out on an end-of-summer road trip, there are some steps you can take to help you make it to your destination safely. Check the condition of your vehicle. Is the vehicle having any mechanical issues that may cause you problems on the road? Are the tires in good shape for a long drive? To prevent blowouts, make sure that the tires are properly inflated and not overly worn. It may also be a good idea to rotate the tires before you leave.

While the condition of your vehicle is very important, motorists also need to need to stay alert while behind the wheel. Distracted driving, such as using a cell phone or texting while driving, is one of the main causes of car accidents throughout the U.S. Keep your attention focused on the road, so that you are prepared if you need to make a sudden move to avoid an accident.

This time of year is a very popular time for road construction, and work zones can present additional challenges to motorists. On interstate highways, crews try to keep lanes open to allow traffic to move through the area. However, this often means that a high volume of motor vehicles often get bunched together, causing long back-ups. More cars with fewer lanes to travel can increase the potential for serious accidents when vehicles need to merge or shift lanes. In some areas, crews may be working at peak traveling times, putting both workers and motorists in harm's way.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reports that 85 percent of people killed in construction zone accidents are not construction workers, but rather passengers or drivers of vehicles in the work zone. ADOT recommends that drivers be especially careful with their speed, as this is one of the main factors in most of these accidents. It may be possible that crews have mislabeled the work zones, which could lead to drivers being unaware of the potentially dangerous conditions ahead.

Drivers will also want to minimize their distractions in construction zones, as equipment or workers may suddenly enter into lanes of traffic with little opportunity to stop. Taking a few extra moments to cautiously proceed through a work zone could reduce your chances of an accident, and also prevent you from getting a costly speeding ticket.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced attorney in your area to help you understand how to proceed with your case. Do not simply take what the insurance company is offering you, as they do not have your best interests in mind. The proper financial recovery cannot be determined until your medical recovery is complete. If you settle early and then do not heal as well as you had hoped, you will have settled for too little.

Article provided by Plattner Verderame, P.C.
Visit us at www.plattner-verderame.com