The consequences of a South Kingstown car accident are often devastating or even deadly. Victims of car accidents often incur significant medical expenses and lose wages as a result of being unable to work as they are recovering from their injuries. Some are so badly injured that they lose employment or even the ability to return to work or earn a livelihood.
Not all car accidents are preventable. As South Kingstown car accident lawyers, we are well aware of the number of auto accidents that occur as a result of driver negligence, recklessness or wrongdoing. However, it is important to remember that a number of car accidents are still preventable. Here are a few tips from us, which could hopefully make your drive safer.
Vehicle Care: Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Specifically, make sure that your tires and brakes are properly functioning. Tires should be properly inflated. Check to see if your tire has adequate tread. Brake failure can often be avoided by ensuring that pads and rotors are functioning properly.
Avoiding Distractions: Never drive while using a cell phone, even if you have hands-free. Recent research studies show that carrying a conversation while driving, even with hands-free technology, can prove to be distracting. It’s not just electronic devices such as cell phone and GPS, but also fellow passengers who can distract the driver. Eating, drinking, grooming, reading and putting on makeup are all actions drivers should perform when not behind the wheel.
Impaired Driving: Do not drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well. Something as simple as an anti-histamine can make you drowsy and sleepy while driving. Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents.
Get Enough Rest: Driving while sleepy or drowsy can cause devastating crashes. This is why there are federal regulations in place to prevent commercial truck and bus drivers from driving while sleepy. These drivers need to take mandatory rest breaks before getting on the road. The same applies to all drivers. Before you get ready to drive make sure you are well rested. If you are unable to keep your eyes open while driving, pull over in a safe location and get your rest before you start to drive again. Caffeine could also help keep you alert when you are fatigued.
Buying a Crashworthy Vehicle: When you are buying a vehicle make sure you keep safety features and ratings in mind. Safety features such as front and side airbags, seatbelts, stability control and safer crumple zones can make the difference between life and death in an auto accident.
Buckle up: There is no question that seatbelts save lives. Regardless of the distance you are traveling, make sure you and your passengers are wearing your seatbelts.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the experienced South Kingstown car accident lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call 1-800-992-6878 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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