Experienced Automotive Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX

According to statistics from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, more than 250,000 people were injured in vehicle accidents in 2019. Almost 4,000 of those victims died. More than 15,000 of those victims sustained serious injuries. While these numbers were a slight decrease from the year before, experienced automotive accident lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates knows there is still much work to do. The following safety tips are ones that all drivers should adhere to when behind the wheel.

Preventing Distracted Driving

Despite the well-publicized dangers and even a state law prohibiting texting and driving, drivers still continue to engage in this potentially perilous behavior. This behavior also includes the use of applications, such as maps and Facebook. There are even drivers who engage in playing games and watching movies or television while driving.

Campaigns geared at application usage are clear: do not use your cell phone while driving. Even when at a stop, the use of applications can place everyone at risk, including the driver. Set up maps before putting the car into motion and, if necessary, place your notifications on silent so that you are not tempted to check them while driving.

Sharing the Road with Pedestrians and Motorcyclists

Due to cost factors and awareness of health and climate issues, more people are walking or using bicycles and motorcycles. Unfortunately, their risk of fatality is much higher than the average motorist. They have nothing to protect them from the impact of an oncoming car. Add in a distracted driver and you have a formula for a disastrous auto accident. Victims of these crashes often ask themselves, “who is the best car accident lawyer in Houston, TX?,” In order to pursue their legal options. Learn how to share the road with these basic tips:

Pedestrian Safety:

Expect pedestrians, even in places they should not be.
Follow posted speed limits at all times, especially in areas where there is heavy pedestrian traffic.
Always stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Leave enough room between your car and the pedestrian so that other drivers can see them.
Never attempt to pass a car stopped at a crosswalk. They have stopped to allow pedestrians across.
And be especially alert in areas where there may be young children, including school zones, neighborhood streets, and when pulling into driveways.

Bicyclist Safety:

Watch for bicyclists on the road; they use the same lane of traffic as motorists.
When behind a bicyclist, refrain from tailgating.
Once it is safe to pass a bicyclist, provide at least three feet of space between them and your car. Do not ever pass if it will place the cyclist in danger.
After parallel parking, use your rearview mirror and check your blind spot for cyclists.
Watch carefully for cyclists when making both left- and right-handed turns.
And resist the urge to honk at cyclists. Doing so can cause the cyclist to lose their bearings, creating a dangerous situation for both of you.

Motorcyclists:

Do not attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle.
Always signal when you are about to change lanes or merge with traffic.
When you see a motorcyclist with a signal on, do not assume they are going to turn or change lanes. Many motorcycles have non-canceling signals.
Check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging.
Provide extra following distance between your car and motorcyclists. Sudden stops or dangers in the road could cause them to swerve or even exit their vehicle at very short notice.
And when at an intersection, check and then re-check for motorcycles. One of the most commonly used statements in motorcycle accidents is that the driver of the car “did not see them.”

Unfortunately, even if a driver follows all safety tips, there are too many other drivers on the roads who don’t. If you are injured in a crash, contact John K. Zaid & Associates to meet with an experienced automotive accident lawyer in Houston, TX.