Driving Safely and Avoiding Injury

Sometimes there’s nothing more enjoyable than getting out and driving. It calms the mind, relaxes the body and can be a great way to give yourself new sights to look at. But driving is also dangerous.

The best thing you can do, however, is to be courteous to other drivers and aware of what’s happening on the roadway. This way, you can be sure that you’re doing your best to make the roads as safe as possible for everyone on them (including yourself).
Some of the biggest hazards on the road—figuratively and literally—are big rigs. A car-vs-truck crash, in most cases, will be far more devastating than a car crash involving two passenger cars. It’s simply the weight and the inertia of the vehicle that make it so deadly. If you come up on one of these vehicles, remember two things:

• Keep their mirrors in sight
• Stay out of the wind they create

The second warning is particularly important to motorcyclists and those who drive small cars. The draft from a semi can be very strong, enough to dismount a motorcyclist or blow a car off course.
Remember that other drivers are your greatest threat. You have to assume that everyone else on the road neither sees you nor is particularly interested in what you’re doing. This way, you’re always ready when that proves to be the case. A lawyer can help you establish that an accident wasn’t your fault, but that requires you to be the good driver in any situation. Remember that other drivers may surprise you by flying out into intersections or doing other irrational things, so be prepared for the worst.
Of all the hazards on the roads, drunk drivers are some of the most significant. They’re unpredictable, cannot drive properly, and as their habits suggest, they’re irresponsible. If you see someone driving erratically, slow down and put some distance between your two cars. Note the license plate, color, make and model of the vehicle, then pull over and report the driver to police (or have a passenger make the call).
Finally, if you're ever involved in an accident, do not exit the vehicle until you are in a safe place or the police instruct you to do so. Being outside of your vehicle on the road (especially on the highway) is a recipe for disaster.