How to Avoid Accidents with Drunk, Distracted and Speeding Drivers

Fatal accident rates are on the rise in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, 40,200 people died in motor-vehicle crashes in 2016 – an increase of 6 percent compared to 2015. This is the first time the death tool has passed 40,000 since 2007.

As the Insurance Journal explains, Texas has not been immune to this unfortunate trend. There were 3,390 fatal accidents in our state in 2016, and 263,536 people were injured on our roads. The vast majority of these wrecks involved driver errors such as speeding, driving while distracted, and driving under the influence.

Car accident injuries can cost a veritable fortune to treat, and insurance companies are not always willing to step up to the plate and offer a fair payout. If you were hurt or lost a family member in a motor-vehicle crash in Texas, attorney N. Eric Cooper will protect your rights.

Mr. Cooper is an accident lawyer in Tyler who will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you fight for the highest possible compensation. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation at the Cooper Law Firm.

Read on to learn how to avoid three primary causes of crashes:

1. Distracted Driving

In 2011, 5 percent of all drivers were using their cell phones at any given daylight moment, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That might not sound like much, but it adds up to 660,000 motorists.

Using a cell phone is one of the deadliest distractions because it impairs your visual, cognitive and physical abilities simultaneously. Fortunately, it is easy to reduce your risk simply by making a commitment to avoid driver distractions. Put your phone on silent, do not eat or drink behind the wheel, limit the number of passengers you carry, and ask a passenger to adjust the radio or climate controls so you can focus on the road.

2. Drunk Driving

Multiple studies have revealed that drunk driving is a primary cause of traffic deaths. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Texas led the nation in alcohol-related fatal accidents in 2013.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid alcohol-related accidents:

• Arrange safe transportation before you start drinking;
• Download a rideshare app;
• Designate a sober driver; or
• If you are at a friend’s place, ask to stay overnight.

You should also keep your distance from drivers who show the following signs of intoxication:

• Swerving;
• Driving with the headlights turned off at night;
• Using the wrong turn signal;
• Almost hitting an object in the road;
• Tailgating; or
• Driving much faster or slower than the speed limit.

3. Speeding

Speeding reduces the amount of time you have to react to unexpected hazards in the road. It also shortens your stopping distance, thus increasing your risk of causing a rear-end accident. Although it is usually best to follow the speed limit, you should slow down when driving in inclement weather, residential areas or at night.

If you were injured by a drunk, distracted or speeding driver in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a personal-injury attorney in Tyler who helps clients throughout East Texas. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.