Congested traffic increases the risk of accidents. With so many vehicles on the road, it is very easy for one to make a wrong move that leads directly to a crash. If you have been clipped by another vehicle, you need an attorney to help you navigate obtaining a settlement to cover your injuries.
Admittedly, avoiding car accidents in the first place is the best way to go. Below, we offer our 5 best tips.
1. Stay Calm
Driving in heavy traffic is stressful. The traffic is probably moving slower than you would like, and you might be late for an appointment. When people feel stressed, they can make critical mistakes that end up causing accidents. By staying calm, you won’t do anything that could lead to a collision.
Not everyone can stay calm, but try the following:
- Put on soothing music. Find a classical music station or listen to NPR.
- Get the sun out of your face. Having the broiling sun beating down on you can elevate your blood pressure.
- Breathe deeply from your abdomen. Hold your breath for a few seconds before exhaling through your nose.
- Remind yourself that everyone else is as stressed as you are.
- Call ahead and tell your appointment that you are running late. Do this early so that you don’t feel pressure to speed or make some other driving error.
If someone near you is behaving erratically, give them as much space as possible. Don’t return honked horns or offensive gestures. Instead, stare straight ahead.
2. Avoid Distractions
You might need to stop on a dime in order to avoid a collision, so you should direct all your attention to driving. Put away your phone to start. Also avoid eating and drinking, if possible. If you need to adjust your controls, then you should do that when your car is stopped.
Focusing can be difficult when you have young children with you, since they might be screaming or talking to you. Do the best you can to block out any distractions. If you absolutely must tend to your child, then pull off to the side of the road so you won’t possibly clip someone.
3. Find Alternate Routes
If you suspect that traffic will be heavy, you should find alternate routes that are less congested. This might not be easy. One thing you can do is to go out on the weekend and find different routes that get you to work or school. Then, if you find traffic is especially heavy on a certain day, you can take an alternate route.
If you aren’t familiar with Las Vegas, make sure you have a GPS in your car. You don’t want to get lost, which can actually increase your chances of your being involved in a crash.
4. Use Your Turn Signals
Your car has turn signals for a reason. You want to signal ahead of time what action you are about to take. This is especially important when traffic is heavy, because vehicles need sufficient time to brake so they don’t collide with you and set off a chain reaction.
Use a turn signal even if you are making a right-hand turn. Sometimes in congested traffic, someone tries to pass on the right-hand side, even though it is illegal. By using your turn signal, you give them fair warning of the movement you are about to make.
5. Avoid Dangerous Intersections
Watching out for dangerous intersections will definitely reduce your chances of getting into an accident. You should avoid the following intersections or exercise extreme caution when passing through them:
- West Sahara Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard
- West Sahara Avenue and Arville Street
- West Tropicana Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard
- East Charleston Boulevard and South Lamb Boulevard
- Paradise Road and East Tropicana Avenue
Only drive through an intersection when the light is green. If it is turning yellow, then you should be prepared to stop. Also remember to stop if you intend to take a right-on-red. You need to make sure the intersection has cleared of pedestrians, so don’t roll through the stop. Instead, come to a full stop, check for pedestrians, and then turn right on red.
If you are involved in a car accident, you can try to navigate the insurance claims process yourself. However, many hurdles confront the unwary, and you would benefit from the help of a seasoned Las Vegas car accident lawyer. Reach out to Ladah Law today. A member of our team can meet for a free initial consultation if you call 702-252-0055.