4 ways to prevent vehicle accidents

It’s kind of difficult to believe, but if Tennessee motorists simply obeyed all of the traffic rules, drivers could circumvent the vast majority of car accidents and hundreds of lives would be saved every year. Unfortunately, we do not currently live in a society of rule followers and many drivers invariable break the law in countless ways every time they get behind the wheel.

Aside from following the rules of the road — which is probably the most important thing that any driver can do — here are a few more vital safety tips that every motorist in Tennessee should follow to keep themselves and their passengers safe:

Never pull out quickly into traffic

No matter how clear the road looks, don’t jerk into traffic. Drive out of parking lots and driveways gingerly after you have stopped, looked and listened. Slower movements will not only give you more time to react and avoid a collision, but it will give other motorists more time too.

Be on the lookout at red lights

One of the most deadly kinds of accidents involves getting t-boned by a red light runner. These inattentive drivers are often going at full speed and if you cross their path, you could be killed in an instant. Always double check that the way is clear before driving into an intersection.

Use the 12-second rule

The 12-second rule involves scanning ahead to where your car is likely to be in 12 seconds. Having this reference point will give you a lot of extra time to maneuver if you spot an obstacle that could pose a threat to your safety.

If, in spite of following the rules of the road and being a defensive driver, you suffer a serious injury in an accident caused by a negligent motorist, you might be on the right side of the law. Investigate the circumstances of your accident — and the severity of your injuries — to pinpoint your legal rights regarding the incident.