According to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 32,675 people died in 2014 as a result of motor vehicle crashes in the United States. The estimate for fatality in 2015 is up 8.1% from the first six months last year, and the fatality rate increased by 4.4%. The NHTSA also reports that 9,967 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2014. These fatalities account for about 1 out of 3 highway deaths on US roads. An alcohol-impaired traffic fatality occurred every 53 minutes and there was a daily average of 27 alcohol-impaired deaths in 2014.
How to Avoid getting Involved in a Car Crash with a Drunk Driver
Driving properly and avoiding alcohol while you are behind the wheel does not mean that you are safe from a drunk driving accident. But there are safety tips that you can keep in mind to prevent you from getting into this type of accident, such as:
Do not rush and be alert – The majority of drunk driving crashes occur at night. You should be aware of reckless drivers and make sure that your safety is always your number one priority. Never rush and always leave yourself extra time so that you arrive safely to your destination.
Always use seat belts – It does not matter if you are driving just around the corner, it is important to make sure that you properly secure your seat belt. If you have passengers, make sure that they do the same. Securing seat belts at all times can save your life in case of a crash.
Keep away from the fast lane – When you use the right or center lane, while driving on multilane roads, you get more escape routes in case you encounter a reckless driver. A large percentage of accidents occur in the left lane so you should try to avoid them, especially at night.
Keep your hands in the 9 and 3 o’clock position – It is vital that you avoid what is known as “lazy driving.” This means that your hands should always be in the 9 and 3 o’clock position while driving. This is the recommended position to help ensure that you have maximum control, especially in a situation where you are forced to maneuver rapidly to avoid a potential collision.
Avoid long drives at night – Nighttime comes with many hazards on the road. First of all, you will be more fatigued than during the day and your field of vision will be reduced, which will in turn prevent you from identifying the many reckless drivers you will find at this time of the day. You should drive with extra care, especially after midnight when young people are leaving parties and bars.
A Law Firm for You
If you or a loved one has been in a drunk driving accident, you should seek the help of the experienced and coveted personal injury attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff,& Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. The first meeting is free. You have nothing to lose, give us a call. We have won huge money for past clients, you can be on this valuable list. We know how to win cases. We know how to approach cases. We have been around the block before. Our legal tactics are based on sound principles. RMFW Law has a winning formula. We are here to help you out financially, psychologically, and legally. Give us a call at 212-344-1000!
