At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., we negotiate settlements on behalf of injured motorists. We have seen up-close how a serious collision can have life-long consequences, including serious disabilities and ongoing pain. Even minor injuries can leave someone unable to work, costing them valuable income.
As Des Moines car accidents lawyers, we are also advocates for public safety. The best thing is to avoid getting into a wreck in the first place. Below, we offer some defensive driving tips to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Should the unthinkable happen and you get hurt in a collision, call us for a free consultation. From offices in Waterloo and Iowa City, we can travel to meet you to discuss the accident. We are always available 24/7 for our clients.
Remain Focused on Driving
Distracted driving is a main cause of accidents in Iowa and across the nation. The simplest way to minimize accident risk is to remain focused on driving yourself. This means:
- Stow your phones in the glove compartment box or in the back seat. Put the phone out of reach if you can’t control yourself.
- Avoid distractions like staring at an accident or daydreaming.
- Pull over to the side of the road if you need to make a phone call.
- Eat before heading out on the road, or pull over and eat. It will only take a minute.
Being vigilant behind the wheel is central to defensive driving. If you are distracted yourself, you will probably cause a collision.
Assume the Worst of Other Drivers
Okay, this is an exaggeration. Nonetheless, you need to anticipate that they might do something risky behind the wheel. For example, you might see a car with its blinker on waiting to make a left-hand turn and exit a bank. You shouldn’t assume the driver will wait for you to pass, even though you are on the road and have the right of way. Instead, the driver might be so anxious that they throw themselves into traffic and pull directly in front of you.
Another situation involves a driver merging onto the highway. They are supposed to wait until there is room—and come to a full stop, if necessary, until there is space. Many drivers hate to slow down, so they instead just force themselves into traffic, whether there is room or not. This is a good way to get into a wreck.
Put yourself in the shoes of an impatient, aggressive driver and you can usually anticipate what they might do. Then you are on your toes and ready to take defensive action in a split second.
Give Yourself a Cushion
You should never tailgate yourself. Ideally, motorists need several seconds between them and the car in front. The faster traffic is going, the more physical distance you will cover.
Here’s how to “count” distance between vehicles. Watch the car in front. When it passes a landmark, like a road sign, start counting. You should get to three before your front bumper reaches the landmark. That means you have three seconds of cushion.
If you don’t have enough of a cushion, then slow down—being mindful of the cars behind you. Someone could be tailgating.
Scan Ahead
It’s easier to avoid trouble if you can see it coming. Remember to scan at least 12 seconds ahead to see what is going on down the road. You might suddenly realize that traffic is backed up on the highway or that there’s been an accident on the road. By scanning ahead, you give yourself sufficient time to brake in to avoid a crash.
Pass Big Rigs Carefully
Tractor-trailers are a common sight on Iowa’s highways. These trucks usually have massive blind spots. A common accident involves a vehicle hanging out in a blind spot, only for the trucker to suddenly change lanes. The smaller car has nowhere to go, and the trucker doesn’t see the vehicle. Instead, he drives right over the smaller car.
A good rule of thumb: if you can’t see the trucker, he can’t see you. If you intend to pass, then don’t dally in the blind spot. Also pass legally on the left-hand side. Not only is it illegal to pass on the right, but the blind spot is even larger on that side.
Have Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly
This also counts as defensive driving. You are less likely to get into a wreck if your car is in optimal working condition. Heading out at night with a blown headlight or driving through a rainstorm with shredded windshield wiper blades is a surefire way to court disaster. Regularly repair your vehicle as problems arise, and you will stand a better chance of avoiding a crash.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep Before Long Trips
Fatigue is a major impairment, almost as serious as intoxication. Before heading out to visit relatives during the holidays, you should make sure you are fully rested. And break up longer trips with a night in a motel.
Give Aggressive Drivers Space
Too many motorists are angry on the road. Anything could trigger them, and they suddenly are weaving in and out of traffic while laying on the horn. Road rage is a real phenomenon, characterized by aggressive driving and emotional outbursts.
If you notice an aggressive or impatient driver, try to give them space. The last thing to do is escalate the situation in any way. Don’t flip them off or honk your own horn. If necessary, you might need to pull into a different lane or let them pass you and speed away.
Were You Involved in a Crash?
Despite a driver’s best efforts, anyone can end up in a crash. Please reach out to Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C. to discuss your case. Safe driving might not prevent all accidents, but you will increase the chances of fair compensation if you did not negligently contribute to the crash. Our lawyers will review the facts to determine whether another driver is legally responsible for compensation. We can also negotiate with the other driver or their insurer to obtain damages for your out-of-pocket expenses, but also for pain and suffering. Our consultations are free, so call us at your convenience.