Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Few things are as scary as driving when you can't see much. Reduced visibility conditions include twilight, darkness, rain, snow, fog, smoke, and bright sunshine.
Obviously, if driving in poor visibility can be avoided, it should be. If suddenly faced with bad visibility, consider these suggestions:
* Use moderation in judging safe speed. Slow down enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
* Do no slow down so much that you become a risk to drivers behind you.
* Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them. If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
* Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to deal with bright sunlight.
Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Obviously, if driving in poor visibility can be avoided, it should be. If suddenly faced with bad visibility, consider these suggestions:
* Use moderation in judging safe speed. Slow down enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
* Do no slow down so much that you become a risk to drivers behind you.
* Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them. If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
* Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to deal with bright sunlight.
Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Labels: avoid wrecks, safe driving, safety
A broken down car can be a dangerous situation. Keep these suggestions in mind to keep folks safe.
* Move the vehicle to the right side of the road out of the flow of traffic, if possible. Stopping on the left side of a divided highway is extremely dangerous but sometimes unavoidable. Do not leave the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane.
* Move the vehicle as far away from the traveled portion of the roadway as you can. At the very least you should be far enough away that you can open the door without stepping out into traffic. You also want to be visible enough so that people can see you.
* Show clear signs that there is a problem and you need assistance by raising the vehicle hood. This is an internationally recognized sign of distress.
* In addition, turn on your emergency flashers and display any signs you have that indicate you need help (such as shade screens with distress messages).
* If you remain with the vehicle, another motorist will likely report your disabled vehicle to the police, and it will be easier for the police or others to provide assistance.
* Always exit the vehicle by the passenger side, unless you are on the left side of a divided highway.
* Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
* Stay off of the road and away from the vehicle and do not stand in front of or to the rear of the vehicle.
* Do not attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is in an area exposed to other traffic.
Be prepared for problem situations:
* Keep items in the vehicle such as flares, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit. Mobile phones in the vehicle also become valuable safety tools during breakdown situations. In addition, have water available in hot climates, especially for children.
* Know where items such as your spare tire, jack, and other tools are in the vehicle and how to use them. Check periodically to make sure they are in working order.
Be familiar with the operation of your vehicle:
* Read your owner’s manual. A motorist who understands how his/her vehicle operates is better able to detect and address problems with the vehicle.
* Conduct periodic and regular maintenance of the vehicle.
* If you hear or sense that something is wrong with the vehicle, have it checked.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation
* Move the vehicle to the right side of the road out of the flow of traffic, if possible. Stopping on the left side of a divided highway is extremely dangerous but sometimes unavoidable. Do not leave the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane.
* Move the vehicle as far away from the traveled portion of the roadway as you can. At the very least you should be far enough away that you can open the door without stepping out into traffic. You also want to be visible enough so that people can see you.
* Show clear signs that there is a problem and you need assistance by raising the vehicle hood. This is an internationally recognized sign of distress.
* In addition, turn on your emergency flashers and display any signs you have that indicate you need help (such as shade screens with distress messages).
* If you remain with the vehicle, another motorist will likely report your disabled vehicle to the police, and it will be easier for the police or others to provide assistance.
* Always exit the vehicle by the passenger side, unless you are on the left side of a divided highway.
* Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
* Stay off of the road and away from the vehicle and do not stand in front of or to the rear of the vehicle.
* Do not attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is in an area exposed to other traffic.
Be prepared for problem situations:
* Keep items in the vehicle such as flares, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit. Mobile phones in the vehicle also become valuable safety tools during breakdown situations. In addition, have water available in hot climates, especially for children.
* Know where items such as your spare tire, jack, and other tools are in the vehicle and how to use them. Check periodically to make sure they are in working order.
Be familiar with the operation of your vehicle:
* Read your owner’s manual. A motorist who understands how his/her vehicle operates is better able to detect and address problems with the vehicle.
* Conduct periodic and regular maintenance of the vehicle.
* If you hear or sense that something is wrong with the vehicle, have it checked.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation
Labels: avoiding personal injury, safe driving, safety
A blown tire can be a scary proposition. Keeping your cool can mean the difference in a safe exit and serious injury.
* The goal in any rapid loss of tire pressure or “blowout” is to keep the vehicle balanced and controllable. Do not panic. Any over-reaction by the driver – including slamming on the brakes or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator – can result in a loss of vehicle control.
* In any blowout situation, it’s most important to first remember the 2 things you should NOT do:
* Do not step on the brake. As instinctive as it may be, it’s the worst mistake you can make in any tire blowout situation. Applying the brakes will cause an even greater imbalance on the vehicle’s stability.
* Do not abruptly release your foot from the accelerator. This is the second worst mistake you can make. Rapidly releasing the accelerator causes the vehicle to transfer more of its weight from the rear tires to the front tires. With a flat tire, this can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
* Instead, in any blowout situation, you should follow these 3 steps:
* Gradually release the accelerator .
* Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
* Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when you judge it’s safe to do so.
* Remember, no matter which tire blows out — front or back — the do’s and don’ts for safely maintaining control of your vehicle are exactly the same. The only difference between a front and rear tire blowout is that you will feel the force of a front blowout more in the vehicle’s steering, while you’ll feel a rear blowout more in the seat or body of the vehicle.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
* The goal in any rapid loss of tire pressure or “blowout” is to keep the vehicle balanced and controllable. Do not panic. Any over-reaction by the driver – including slamming on the brakes or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator – can result in a loss of vehicle control.
* In any blowout situation, it’s most important to first remember the 2 things you should NOT do:
* Do not step on the brake. As instinctive as it may be, it’s the worst mistake you can make in any tire blowout situation. Applying the brakes will cause an even greater imbalance on the vehicle’s stability.
* Do not abruptly release your foot from the accelerator. This is the second worst mistake you can make. Rapidly releasing the accelerator causes the vehicle to transfer more of its weight from the rear tires to the front tires. With a flat tire, this can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
* Instead, in any blowout situation, you should follow these 3 steps:
* Gradually release the accelerator .
* Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
* Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when you judge it’s safe to do so.
* Remember, no matter which tire blows out — front or back — the do’s and don’ts for safely maintaining control of your vehicle are exactly the same. The only difference between a front and rear tire blowout is that you will feel the force of a front blowout more in the vehicle’s steering, while you’ll feel a rear blowout more in the seat or body of the vehicle.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Fortunately, this doesn't happen too often. But keeping these suggestions in mind may avoid a car wreck:
What to do if your gas pedal sticks
* Tap the gas pedal to try to unstick the throttle linkage.
* Hook your toe under the pedal to try and free it.
* Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels.
* Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
* If your automobile has power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off the ignition or you will lose either your power steering, or the ability to steer.
* Have your vehicle checked with a mechanic as soon as possible.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Transportation, sos.state.il.us
What to do if your gas pedal sticks
* Tap the gas pedal to try to unstick the throttle linkage.
* Hook your toe under the pedal to try and free it.
* Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels.
* Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
* If your automobile has power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off the ignition or you will lose either your power steering, or the ability to steer.
* Have your vehicle checked with a mechanic as soon as possible.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Transportation, sos.state.il.us
Labels: car wreck, safe driving, safety
It is an unfortunately fact of life that some feel they own the road and will drive aggressively - putting others at risk for injury or even death. Here are some suggestions.
How to deal with aggressive drivers
Common aggressive driving behaviors
* Running stop signs and red lights
* Speeding, tailgating, and weaving between lanes
* Passing on the right of a vehicle
* Making inappropriate hand and facial gestures
* Screaming, honking the horn, and flashing headlights
If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, or witness aggressive driving behavior, follow these guidelines:
* Make every attempt to safely move out of the aggressive driver’s way.
* Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to “hold your own” in the travel lane.
* Always wear your seat belt — not only will it hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver, but it will also protect you in a crash.
* Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver.
* Ignore gestures, and refuse to return them.
* Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel.
* If you have a cellular phone, and can use it while driving safely, call the police. Many have special numbers such as 9-1-1 or #-7-7.
* If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop at a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the driving behavior that you witnessed.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
How to deal with aggressive drivers
Common aggressive driving behaviors
* Running stop signs and red lights
* Speeding, tailgating, and weaving between lanes
* Passing on the right of a vehicle
* Making inappropriate hand and facial gestures
* Screaming, honking the horn, and flashing headlights
If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, or witness aggressive driving behavior, follow these guidelines:
* Make every attempt to safely move out of the aggressive driver’s way.
* Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to “hold your own” in the travel lane.
* Always wear your seat belt — not only will it hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver, but it will also protect you in a crash.
* Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver.
* Ignore gestures, and refuse to return them.
* Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel.
* If you have a cellular phone, and can use it while driving safely, call the police. Many have special numbers such as 9-1-1 or #-7-7.
* If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop at a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the driving behavior that you witnessed.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Hopefully we won't have to consider this one when driving in Georgia.
How to Drive During Earthquakes
Experiencing an earthquake while in a moving vehicle has been compared to driving on four flat tires. If an earthquake occurs while you are driving:
* Gradually decrease speed.
* Pull to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
* Do not stop on or under overpasses or bridges.
* Do not drive until local authorities have deemed it safe to do so.
* Avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and buildings.
* Stop the car and keep your seat belt fastened.
* Remain in your car until the shaking stops.
* Keep in mind that aftershocks follow the initial earthquake.
* Turn on your car radio and listen for advisories (most radio stations are prepared to broadcast emergency information).
* If driving on the freeway, and if it's safe to do so, exit at the first opportunity.
* Be especially careful for mudslides and rockslides as earthquakes can jar loose these materials.
Be prepared by stocking the following items in your vehicle:
* Fully equipped first aid kit
* Bottled water
* Blanket or sleeping bag
* Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
* Fire extinguisher
* Pocket radio with extra batteries
* Local maps
* Matches
* Prescription medicine
Sources: FEMA.gov, US Geological Survey, Association of Bay Area Governments
How to Drive During Earthquakes
Experiencing an earthquake while in a moving vehicle has been compared to driving on four flat tires. If an earthquake occurs while you are driving:
* Gradually decrease speed.
* Pull to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
* Do not stop on or under overpasses or bridges.
* Do not drive until local authorities have deemed it safe to do so.
* Avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and buildings.
* Stop the car and keep your seat belt fastened.
* Remain in your car until the shaking stops.
* Keep in mind that aftershocks follow the initial earthquake.
* Turn on your car radio and listen for advisories (most radio stations are prepared to broadcast emergency information).
* If driving on the freeway, and if it's safe to do so, exit at the first opportunity.
* Be especially careful for mudslides and rockslides as earthquakes can jar loose these materials.
Be prepared by stocking the following items in your vehicle:
* Fully equipped first aid kit
* Bottled water
* Blanket or sleeping bag
* Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
* Fire extinguisher
* Pocket radio with extra batteries
* Local maps
* Matches
* Prescription medicine
Sources: FEMA.gov, US Geological Survey, Association of Bay Area Governments
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Flood Safety
Keep in mind suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Flooding can occur as streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, with run-off from deep snow cover, or any time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.
* Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.
* You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
* If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
* Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can conceal dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.
* If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
* Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
* One foot of water will float many vehicles.
* Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV's and pick-ups.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Keep in mind suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Flooding can occur as streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, with run-off from deep snow cover, or any time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.
* Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.
* You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
* If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
* Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can conceal dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.
* If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
* Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
* One foot of water will float many vehicles.
* Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV's and pick-ups.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Hail Storms
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs
* After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage.
* If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage to your interior.
Treat Hail storms in much the same way you would handle a thunderstorm.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs
* After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage.
* If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage to your interior.
Treat Hail storms in much the same way you would handle a thunderstorm.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Tornado
Also consider suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Do not drive during tornado conditions.
* Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
* Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
* If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Also consider suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Do not drive during tornado conditions.
* Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
* Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
* If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Labels: avoid wrecks, driving, safety
Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
* Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
* Avoid flooded roadways.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.
* How to deal with a hail storm.
* Visit our flood safety tips for how to deal with flooding.
Source: FEMA.gov
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
* Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
* Avoid flooded roadways.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.
* How to deal with a hail storm.
* Visit our flood safety tips for how to deal with flooding.
Source: FEMA.gov
Labels: avoid wrecks, driving, safety
High Winds
* Be aware of vehicles around you. High winds are more problematic for drivers of trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, campers, and drivers who are towing trailers.
* Reduce your speed and correct your steering, especially when moving from a protected area to an unprotected area, or when meeting large vehicles.
* Wind is often accompanied by heavy rain or winter precipitation. Stay alert for slippery areas.
Sources: sos.state.il.us
* Be aware of vehicles around you. High winds are more problematic for drivers of trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, campers, and drivers who are towing trailers.
* Reduce your speed and correct your steering, especially when moving from a protected area to an unprotected area, or when meeting large vehicles.
* Wind is often accompanied by heavy rain or winter precipitation. Stay alert for slippery areas.
Sources: sos.state.il.us
Labels: avoid wrecks, driving, safety
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