Safe Driving Tips from Attorney Dave Morgan
As the population of Boise continues to grow, so do the number of automobiles on the road. Whether you’re simply heading to the corner grocery store or driving across country, auto accidents can be avoided, while making sure you and your passengers are safe, with these tips collected by Morgan Law from many of the Boise auto accident clients we represent:
Drive only when fully rested – because drowsy driving is no different than drunk driving, only drive when fully rested. In this busy day and age, where so many people sleep less in hopes of getting more done, there are more and more exhausted drives. Driving defensively can avoid an auto accident. Caffeinated drinks are not always the answer, in that they may give you a quick boost, but then zap your energy later.
Wear your seatbelt – this goes without saying. You and your passengers must be secure, at all times, when inside a moving vehicle. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an auto accident, your chances of survival are greater because of seatbelt usage.
No texting – in the time it takes for you to peek at your cell phone, your car can travel the length of an entire football field. This practice is illegal in many states, including Boise, and can be costly, in terms of human life and monetary damage. Know the laws regarding cell phone use. What is legal in one place might not be legal in another. There is no ban on using your cell phone while driving in Boise. Answering the phone later is always the best way to go. If you must talk on the phone, use a hands-free device.
Never drink and drive – driving during or after you have been drinking is dangerous for everyone, including you. There’s no such thing as, “It’s not far, I’ll be okay,” when it comes to mixing driving with alcohol.
Know the weather – every driver should know the weather before getting behind the wheel. Changes in weather conditions cause too many accidents. Know what the weather conditions are, and then adjust your driving accordingly. This includes always having fully functioning windshield wipers, wearing tire chains when needed, driving under the speed limit and more.
Make sure your car is in tip-top shape – tires blow out, brakes fail, engines freeze. All of these situations are dangerous to have happen while driving. Maintain your car continually to keep your passengers safe.
Never drive on low fuel – you can avoid running out of gas by never going below the halfway mark. There are gas station apps to help you out, like GasBuddy and GasGuru.
Know where you are going – getting lost wastes both time, gas, and can put you in a serious or dangerous situation. Always make sure, beforehand, that you know your travel route.
Take food and water – always keep water and some snacks in your car, in the event you are stranded somewhere, particularly on a long road trip.
Remain focused at all times – distracted driving is dangerous. Do not put on your makeup, do not do your hair, do not read or talk to another passenger in the car, or anything else that distracts you from driving.
Watch your speed – there is a good reason why speed limits are set. Do not drive over the speed limit or you could be putting yourself and your passengers at risk of being in an auto accident.
Do not tailgate – always anticipate that anything could happen, which is why tailgating is dangerous. A car length for every ten miles of speed is usually a safe rule of thumb when it comes to tailgating.
If you have been involved in an accident, n or around the Boise area, give Morgan Law a call today at (208) 789-2098.
