As traffic fatalities continue to rise, city and town officials across the US have continued to investigate ways to make roads safer. With so many more cars on the highways today, it is not surprising that there are more accidents—but so many can be easily prevented.

Distracted driving continues to be one of the greatest threats, and one must wonder if smartphone companies had any idea the impact they would have on traffic statistics when they created electronics that are so tempting and addictive that motorists cannot put them down long enough to get from one destination to another!

You may feel quite safe as you drive to work each day, run your errands, and pick up the kids from school—but dangers abound on the roads, and usually in the form of other motorists who are driving while they are sleepy, under the influence, or are speeding or ignoring other traffic rules, to include running red lights and not practicing caution at intersections.

While it might seem like taking the offense while out on the roads is the only option today, aggressive driving (sometimes synonymous with road rage) is responsible for thousands of crashes each year.

Speeding is one of the most common forms of aggressive driving, along with tailgating, passing aggressively and often when it is illegal, failing to signal, and ignoring other basic traffic rules.

When these problems turn into full-blown road rage, violence is too easily incited and what could have been an easy drive back and forth to the grocery store could turn into a criminal act.

Defensive driving means being diligent and alert to your surroundings when in traffic, and avoiding reckless drivers (who should be reported to 911 in obvious cases) by:

• Avoiding all distractions, whether from passengers in the car, eating, drinking, grooming, or electronics.
• Expecting that other drivers may be unpredictable, causing you to use extra caution.
• Keeping a safe driving distance from other cars.
• Driving the speed limit and following traffic rules.
• Slowing down and using extra caution when driving conditions are poor.

If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of others, contact the attorneys at Heintz Law. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz Law for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.