What are some of the best ways to avoid being involved or injured in a car accident caused by another driver in Delaware? Here are some safety tips from experts who know a lot about car crashes – the Delaware State Police.
“One key to driving safely is patience and defensive driving,” according to two Delaware State Police state troopers interviewed by Delaware Online. “This means providing other vehicles ample room for switching lanes, especially for out-of-town drivers who are not familiar with the roadways in Delaware.”
Everyone can always use a few safe driving tips. The Delaware car accident attorneys at the Law Office of Edward C. Gill, P.A. welcome such advice since we have seen first-hand just how devastating serious and fatal collisions can be in Delaware.
Wear your seatbelt
The first piece of advice Delaware State Police troopers offer involves wearing your seatbelt. “Always buckle up and make sure your passengers are wearing theirs, too,” the troopers told Delaware Online.
This might seem like common sense, but you would be surprised how many people don’t wear their seatbelts and sustain serious injuries in crashes. Each year, seatbelts save an estimated 15,000 lives in serious car accidents, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Slow down and don’t speed
Driving too fast might not seem like a big deal – until a speeding driver crashes into your car and causes a serious collision. “The higher your speed, the less time you have to stop your vehicle if things wrong,” the Delaware state troopers said.
This is because vehicles traveling faster than the posted speed limit don’t have enough time or space to slow down and avoid a collision. Look at Delaware’s annual car accident statistics – according to the NHTSA, 28 percent of car accident fatalities involve speeding drivers.
Don’t drive drunk
Drivers in Delaware have been warned about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol for years. But, unfortunately, that doesn’t stop some people from getting behind the wheel of a car after they have had too much to drink.
“A night out at the bar can be fun but always make sure you have a safe ride to and from your destination,” state troopers from the Delaware State Police said.
Specifically, according to the NHTSA, each year, more than 23 percent of fatal car accidents in Delaware involve drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.
Don’t use a cellphone while driving
Electronic distractions can be disastrous when driving, whether texting or talking on a cellphone. “Keep your eyes on the road,” Delaware State Police troopers said. “That means no texting, no calls, and no checking your email while behind the wheel.”
The numbers don’t lie. Each year, nationwide, more than 3,100 people are killed in car accidents involving distracted drivers, including texting drivers, according to the NHTSA.
Why should I hire a Delaware car accident attorney?
Even if another Delaware driver caused your collision, don’t simply assume that your injury claim will be straightforward. Often, the at-fault driver will deny doing anything wrong. Other times, it’s their insurance company that’s the problem. Either way, you might have a hard time getting the money you deserve and may even need to file a car accident lawsuit.
The experienced Delaware car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Edward C. Gill, P.A. can help you every step of the way. We know the law and understand how the system works in Delaware. That’s why we have such a strong track record of success.
Discover what we can do for you. Contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation to see how we can help. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay us if we win a financial settlement or verdict for you.