Posted: January 16, 2017
New Year, new driving habits? Many of us avoided getting into car accidents last year. Some of this certainly has to do with good driving habits. Some of it is just plain luck. In 2017, perhaps reflecting on driving habits can take the reins away from fate and put them into our own hands. Here are three bad driving habits that, when dropped, will further reduce your risks of causing an accident and may even help you react in time to avoid being involved in one caused by someone else:
- Do not drink and drive. Even a single alcoholic beverage can impair driving ability. Designate a driver or use an alternative form of transportation if you plan on having a few drinks.
- Follow the speed limit. According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, speeding is among the top causes of accidents in our state. Going over the speed limit makes it harder to stop or maneuver around obstacles and significantly increases your risks of causing an accident.
- Do not be fooled by onboard electronics. According to the National Safety Council, onboard electronics, such as talk-to-text, are even more distracting than their hand-held alternatives. Your best bet is to turn your cellphone off while driving. Cellphone use increases crash risks as much as 23-times.
Adopting these healthy habits can help protect you and your passengers from getting involved in an accident. If you are injured by someone else’s poor behavior, please contact Copple, Rockey, & Schlecht for a consultation at our Norfolk or Omaha location. If your injury prohibits travel, one of our Nebraska personal injury lawyers can come to you to discuss your accident, your rights, and the best way to get fair compensation.