We here at the Roger Ghai Law Offices want you to be safe on I-75 and the roads around Kennesaw. If you are in a car wreck through no fault of your own, please call us because we can help you recover monetary compensation to pay for medical bills, damage to your car, pain and suffering, lost salary and/or wages, etc. Consider us your Kennesaw automobile accident attorneys. In the meantime, here a few tips for improving your safety while driving.
Car Accidents in Kennesaw: Reduce The Distractions
As we have discussed before here in our blogs, distracted driving is the leading cause of car wrecks, not just here in Kennesaw, but everywhere in Georgia and across the nation. We all know what distracted driving is: anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) defines it more specifically: “… any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system.” See here.
Texting has become the most common form of distraction that causes car wrecks. As the NHTSA writes, “[s]ending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.”
As such, tip one from the Roger Ghai Law Offices for improving your safety while driving: get rid of the distractions. Try the following:
- Put the phone on “airplane” mode — really, turn it off entirely; even hands-free operation can be distracting since conversations themselves are distracting; studies have shown that hands-free operation of a cellphone is no safer than holding the phone.
- Alternatively, 20 second hands-free calls only — if you cannot bear to turn the phone off entirely, limit calls to under 20 seconds; that’s enough time to say hello and impart or receive small amounts of information or instructions — “Pick up some milk from Publix”; but remember, in those 20 seconds, you have driven the length of four football fields.
- Do office work at the office — conversations about work are the MOST distracting conversations that you can have while driving; just wait until you get there; there is no such thing as multitasking while driving.
- Argue about the most recent family “crisis” when you get home — really, you cannot solve the problem while you are driving; wait until you get home.
- Never text and drive.
- Never do anything like “live-streaming” on snapchat while driving.
- Ban books, reading devices and video players for the front seat.
- Set your GPS BEFORE you start driving — pull to the side of the road if you need to reset the GPS.
- Put potential diversions out of reach (trunk or back seat) — your briefcase, work purse or other paper-filled case.
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Car Accidents in Kennesaw: Drive Defensively
Aside from being a good driver yourself and avoiding distractions, one of the best tips that we can give is to drive defensively.
Basically, assume that other drivers are driving unsafely and anticipate and avoid dangerous situations before they happen. Watch not only the cars and trucks themselves, but also the drivers and occupants of the cars. Is the driver behind you holding a phone to his/her ear? If yes, be extra careful around that car. Maybe change lanes and let that car get ahead of you. Maybe leave even more room between you and the car you are following. That way, if there is a need to stop, there is more time for the phone user to notice and he/she can stop safety too.
Similarly, take defensive maneuvers if there is a car “riding your bumper.” The best practice is to let them go around. Alternatively, add a SUBSTANTIAL amount of space between you and the car in front of you. The greatest danger of someone tailgating you on I-75 is the need for a quick stop. You KNOW the car behind you does not have enough room to stop safely. Give yourself AND that car/truck enough space to stop if needed.
Car Accidents in Kennesaw: Slow Down for the Weather and Lighting Conditions
The next tip is to drive “for the weather” and “for the lighting conditions.” In truth, this advice is simply “slow down.” When it rains and snows, your tires have less connectivity to — traction with — the pavement. So, slow down a bit, apply the brakes sooner and more gradually to help stop more safely. Likewise, here in the winter, the days are shorter meaning more night-time driving. Again, slow down and take a bit of extra time.
Further, combine driving for the weather with defensive driving techniques. If you are on Pine Mountain Road late a night, assume something might jump out onto the road. Watch for animals and people on the shoulder of the road. Slow down a bit and arrive home safely.
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Car Accidents in Kennesaw: Do Not Drive Drunk, On Drugs or When Drowsy
The best safety tip is to not drive while impaired. This means do not drive drunk, while on drugs or while drowsy. If you are out for a “night on the town,” enjoy, but have a designated driver or arrange for Uber, Lyft or a taxi.
But impairment is not just something that happens at night when you are bar hopping. Driving while impaired happens during the day when you are too drowsy to drive. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving while drunk or while smoking marijuana or driving while on other drugs. Indeed, the NHTSA reports that FALLING ASLEEP while driving is even more dangerous. When drunk or on drugs, you are at least somewhat aware; falling asleep is like being unconscious — you have no awareness or control.
Drowsiness is not just sleep deprivation. Drowsiness is often a side effect of prescription and/or over-the-counter medications. Make sure you read the labels, avoid combining drugs, talk to your doctor(s) or the pharmacist. Drivers in Kennesaw and Acworth must know when NOT to drive.
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Kennesaw Car Accidents: Contact the Roger Ghai Law Offices
Even when you drive as safely as you can, accidents happen. Sometimes you cannot avoid the careless and wrongful driving behavior as others. If that happens — or has happened — contact the skilled and experienced Kennesaw auto accident attorneys at the Roger Ghai Law Offices. We have the trial experience to help you if you have suffered — or someone you love has suffered — an injury in an automobile accident. The Roger Ghai Law Offices provides legal services for the residents of Cobb County including the communities of Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta and the surrounding areas. Click here today to schedule your consultation.
Call or text (770) 792-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form