Our dangerous driving habits account for about 40 percent of the traffic accident fatalities that happen in New York City. It’s the drivers who speed, fail to yield to pedestrians and those who drive while engaging in distractions who have devastated families left to deal with the tragic results.
For this reason, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) is launching a campaign to help raise awareness and to educate motorists about the risks that accompany dangerous driving. The new campaign captures the images of grieving family members at the fatal crash sites of their loved ones, asking New Yorkers to drive with caution and to slow down.
Our car accident lawyers urge you to make 2014 the best year yet, and we’re asking you to do this by focusing in on your own behavior behind the wheel. With just a few small changes, you can help to save lives and make our roadways a safer place. The big three — speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving — account for a majority of serious and fatal crashes.
Make your resolution now to stay safe behind the wheel.
Speeding:
You should always pay close attention to the speedometer, while still carefully watching the road. Make quick, frequent cross-checks to monitor your speed. Keep an eye on the speed limit. Traveling just 5 miles per hour slower won’t really have a big effect on your travel time, and your risks for both an accident and a speeding citation will decrease dramatically.
Lastly, remember to keep your mind on the road. It’s important not only to watch your driving, but to think about it as well. Don’t fade away in a daydream or get caught up singing along with the radio.
Distracted Driving:
Make adjustments before you get underway. Address vehicle systems like your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls and sound systems before hitting the road. Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time. Keep the vehicle tidy and do not use it as a place to store things. If you have to adjust something or tend to a cell phone, make sure you pull over and come to a safe and complete stop before doing so.
Know the law. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before you get in the car. Some states and localities prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones in addition to texting.
Drunk Driving:
Choose a designated driver. Decide who’s going to be doing the driving before you go, and make sure that person doesn’t drink any alcoholic beverages. Keep an emergency text/speed dial ready. In case you are completely drunk save some text to any person who will be available to drive, as a draft and when the time comes you can somehow click a send. You can also do this with a speed dial.
The Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC offers free consultations. Call 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
Queens Car Accident Injuries Caused by Distracted Parents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, December 20, 2013
Too Fast and Furious: Excessive Speed to Blame in Fatal Car Crash, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, December 12, 2013
