Happy New Year! As is tradition, New Year's comes with resolutions. In the first half of 2023, there were over 19,000 traffic fatalities in the US. Why not resolve to drive more safely in 2024 and do your part to decrease the chances of a crash? Having practiced personal injury law in the Kansas City area for nearly 20 years and specializing in car crash cases, here are a few ideas for New Year's driving resolutions.
Put Your Phone Down: Focus on the Road
One of the surest ways to avoid a crash is to remove the distractions — specifically your phone. In my experience, phone distractions account for the vast majority of crashes. Simply storing your phone out of sight (and mind) will help keep your attention on the road. Put it in your trunk or glove box, or designate a passenger as your communication assistant.
Check Your Tires: Ensuring Safe Traction
Another big contributor to crashes, in my experience, is wear and tear or low pressure on tires. When you need to stop or get out of the way to avoid a crash, you need properly inflated and maintained tires. If they are not, then you will have a harder time stopping or swerving in an emergency.
Follow the Three-Second Rule: Maintain Safe Distances
Use this rule to keep the right amount of distance between you and the car in front of you. When the car in front of you passes a sign or marking in the road, it should take three seconds for you to pass that same sign or marking. This will give you enough time to stop or swerve if the car in front of you suddenly stops. This will also give you enough room to avoid pedestrians or other cars entering the roadway. You never know when you’ll need to stop!
These are just a few ideas for better driving based on the hundreds of crash cases we’ve handled. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a car crash, please consider contacting our firm. We have the experience and expertise to maximize your recovery.