The summer is still in full swing, which means that the roads are packed with travelers who are fitting in that last road trip before Labor Day. Later in the month, students will be returning to school, and parents will be carpooling their children to sports, music lessons, and other after-school activities. All of this means that there are more vehicles on the roads, which can increase the risk of serious car accidents.
National Traffic Awareness Month highlights the importance of making safety a priority, whether you are behind the wheel of a car, riding your bike, or on foot. There are a number of ways that motorists can observe National Traffic Awareness Month, from following the rules of the road, to making a pledge to avoid unsafe driving behaviors, such as texting, speeding, or drunk driving.
What Safety Tips Should I Follow?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 42,915 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2021, a 10.5 percent increase from the year prior. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if motorists followed the rules of the road, put their phones away, and made safety a priority.
National Traffic Awareness Month raises awareness of some of the hazards that can increase the risk of a serious car accident, and it provides valuable safety tips:
- Always wear a seat belt. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injuries if you are involved in a car accident.
- Keep your eyes on the road. Avoid distractions like texting or talking on the phone, reaching for something in the back seat, or adjusting the sound system.
- Obey the speed limit. If you are speeding, you are more likely to lose control of the vehicle. In addition, speeding-related accidents are often much more serious due to the extreme force of the impact.
- Service your vehicle regularly. It is recommended that you have your vehicle serviced by a skilled mechanic who can check the brakes, tire pressure, treads, all fluids, and make any necessary repairs. This will ensure that your vehicle is safe.
- Be aware of your surroundings. This is true for drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Do not assume that other people are paying attention to the road. Being a defensive driver can help reduce the risk of an accident on a busy highway, in a parking lot, at a traffic circle, or in a residential area. Watch for pedestrians when driving in a residential area or near a school.
- Do not tailgate. This increases the risk of a rear-end accident, which can cause whiplash and other injuries.
- Avoid driving during inclement weather. If you cannot avoid driving in poor weather, use extreme caution, slow down, leave extra room between you and other cars on the road, and pay close attention to the other vehicles in the vicinity.
- Use your signals. When turning, changing lanes, or exiting the highway, always use your signal to alert other drivers.
- Know what steps to take if you are involved in an accident. Move your vehicle to a safe spot if you are able to do so. Call 911 to report the accident, and request an ambulance if there are injuries involved. Exchange information with the other driver, but be careful not to say anything that can be interpreted as admitting fault. Notify your insurance company that you were involved in an accident, and contact an experienced car accident lawyer.
West Chester Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Will Protect Your Rights
If you were injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our dedicated West Chester car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (610) 892-4940 or contact us online. Located in Media, Pennsylvania, we represent clients in Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, and West Chester.
