What is Defensive Driving?

December 23, 2019 | Car Accidents

Car accidents are not uncommon in Indiana. Drivers should do everything they can to prevent car accidents, and one of the best ways to do so is to practice defensive driving. Defensive driving is a set of learned skills that allow a driver to defend themselves against possible collisions on the roadway.

Defensive driving is something that most people have heard about but may not quite understand. This type of driving is all about preventing deadly collisions. While you may not be able to control the actions of drivers around you, you can control your actions inside of your own vehicle.

Safety tips and techniques

Some of the most important defensive driving techniques involve the following:

• Focusing on the task at hand. Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Put away all technology, do not eat while driving, and keep your eyes on the road at all times.
• Expecting other drivers to make mistakes. You need to anticipate alert drivers’ actions. Do not trust any driver other than yourself on the roadway.
• Reducing speed. Most severe accident injuries are caused due to a high rate of speed at the time of a collision. Slow down and follow all speed limits. If there is inclement weather, driving below the speed limit is almost always recommended.
• Using a safe following distance. Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Monitoring blind spots. Every vehicle has blind spots, and you need to check them before changing lanes or making a turn.
• Following all traffic laws. Traffic laws are designed to keep people safe. Following traffic laws includes driving at or below the speed limit, yielding when appropriate, using turn signals, and more.
• Understanding the dangers of wet and icy roads. When the roads are wet, snowy, or icy, you need to take extra precautions when driving. Even a little water on the roadway can put drivers at risk of hydroplaning and losing control of their vehicles. Slow down and take your time when driving when the roadways are wet.
• Not getting angry. Getting angry at other drivers behind the wheel can be dangerous. Road rage is not safe for anybody. If you find yourself getting angry with another driver, take some deep breaths and let it go.

Indiana car accident statistics

Car accidents are Unfortunately common in Indiana. During the latest reporting year in this state, there were 219,105 total traffic collisions. Out of those, there were 911 car accident fatalities and over 50,000 car accident injuries.

Most of these incidents or caused by driver error, including:

• speed-related collisions
• alcohol-impaired driving
• distracted driving
• failing to yield the right-of-way
• other traffic violations

These incidents would largely have been preventable by using the defensive driving techniques mentioned above.

Most common car accident injuries

Car accidents in Indiana often result in severe injuries for the victims. It is not uncommon for those involved in an accident to suffer from the following injuries:

• Broken and dislocated bones
• Severe lacerations
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions

Each of these injuries requires medical attention, and victims often are not able to make a quick recovery. This can lead to major medical expenses and lost income if a crash victim is unable to work while they recover. If you sustained injuries after a car accident and need legal advice, contact Fountain Law Firm’s Indianapolis car injury lawyers, we’re available 24/7 and will protect your legal rights.