There is more to being a good driver than being able to fight your way through traffic, parallel park, and turn on a dime. Driving safely is not just about your skills, it is also about defending yourself from others on the road. Taking a defensive approach to driving can prevent Atlanta car accidents.
Here are some tips for an Atlanta auto accident lawyer:
Expect the worst. Assume that every other driver is drunk, distracted, or confused. This will help you keep an eye on what other drivers are doing and to react accordingly.
Don't take your green light for granted. You have the green light, but this doesn't mean that another driver won't run a red light. Any time you go through an intersection, pay attention to other drivers. Be prepared to brake or get out of the way, if necessary, to avoid an Atlanta car crash.
Don't just watch cars; watch for road hazards. Possible dangers include potholes, construction zones, accidents, disabled vehicles, loose gravel, debris, patches, pedestrians, or children. Look ahead, so you have plenty of time to prepare for these hazards.
Keep your eyes on the road - the entire road. Don't just stare ahead of you, use visual scanning and check your mirrors to see who is beside you and behind you.
Maintain a safe following distance (1 car length per ten miles an hour), so you have plenty of time to react to unexpected behaviors or obstacles. When you stop at a traffic light, you should be able to see the tires on the car in front of you.
If you see a problem, start braking early so the drivers behind you have plenty of warning. Braking suddenly can cause the driver behind you to rear-end your car.
Change lanes well before your turn. And don't forget to check your blind spot before changing lanes. Never change lanes in an intersection.
Let trucks pass you. Trucks have large blind spots on both sides which can conceal multiple vehicles. Try to stay away from those blind spots.
Always brake and slow down before entering a curve. Don't brake while driving the curve, this could cause your car to skid.
Always wear your seat belt, and wear it properly. A properly worn seat belt offers the best protection from death and serious injury in the event of a Georgia traffic accident.
Even defensive driving cannot guarantee protection from reckless drivers, but it can improve your chances of avoiding a serious Atlanta auto accident. If you have been injured in a Georgia car wreck caused by a reckless driver, Atlanta auto accident lawyer Shane Smith may be able to help. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656. When you call, request your free copy of Shane Smith's book, 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case.