When you’re making your New Year’s resolutions, you may think of health or career goals you want to achieve. Some individuals may aim to learn a new skill or spend more time with loved ones. 

If you’re looking to improve everyday behaviors, consider a resolution to become a safer driver. 

The car accident attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC, know how quickly an accident can happen, so take the time to improve your driving behaviors to make the roadways safer for all this year. 

Driving Resolutions for 2023

1. Maintain Your Vehicle

Mechanical failure is a major cause of accidents on the road. If your vehicle is poorly maintained, you aren’t practicing safe driving. A blown tire or brake failure can end with you on the side of the road or in a ditch.

Take your vehicle to your local mechanic regularly for maintenance. A good mechanic can spot degrading parts and replace them before they fail. If you will be driving for the holidays or going on vacation, make sure your vehicle has a clean bill of health.

2. Stay Focused on the Road

Road conditions can change rapidly, so you’ll need to pay full attention on the road — especially if you’re traveling in rainy or snowy weather. This means you should make sure your phone is out of reach and your music set before you go. 

You should also avoid common distractions, like looking at things on the side of the road, reaching into the back seat, or any action that requires you to take both hands off the wheel.

3. Obey the Speed Limit and Keep a Safe Distance

Speeding is one of the leading causes of crashes; always stick to the speed limit and slow down in bad weather or near construction. You should also make sure you give the car ahead of you plenty of space. One second of distance is fine for most passenger cars, but larger vehicles need more space. 

If you want to stay safe on the highway, leave plenty of space all around you in case you need to make a sudden movement. 

4. Drive Sober and Alert

Anything that dulls your reaction time will make your drive more dangerous. While most people know that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is bad, they may still decide to drive tired. 

Being drowsy can slow your reactions just as much as alcohol. If you’re exhausted enough, you may even fall asleep at the wheel. 

Make getting enough rest and calling for a taxi or rideshare part of your driving resolutions this year. 

5. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

Even if you’re driving on an empty road, you may still suddenly need to take evasive action. Drunk drivers, poor visibility, pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals can end up in your path very quickly. Always pay close attention to the road and keep an eye out for anything that may move into your path. 

Learning to take in your surroundings and react quickly is a great way to become a safer driver. 

6. Leave for Your Destination Earlier

If you’re stressed about being late, you may be tempted to drive recklessly. If you’re speeding, changing lanes quickly, or making turns without checking, you’re more likely to get into an accident.

Trying to rush is a common driving mistake and leads to many others. Try to give yourself at least half an hour more time to get to your destination than you think you need. If you struggle with time management, set alarms or alerts to keep you on track. 

Car Accident Attorneys That Truly Care

Even the safest drivers can get into accidents. You can’t control other drivers and you may be the one to suffer as a result of their mistakes. If this happens to you, you’ll need a car accident attorney to help you get the justice you deserve.

The team at Ramos James Law, PLLC, has years of experience in helping car accident victims get the compensation they need to get back on their feet. If you want to know where your case stands, we offer FREE consultations. 

Contact us today to get the process started.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today

Since so many people will be driving to visit family over the winter holidays, hitting the road safely is essential. No one wants to spend the holidays at an automobile repair shop, an Austin truck accident lawyer’s office, or in the hospital because of a crash. 

If you are worried about whether your family drives safely, it can be hard to bring it up without a fight. However, if you approach the topic in the right way and with the right information, your loved one may be more willing to listen.

Your truck accidentally lawyers in Austin at Ramos James Law want to do our part to keep Texans safe throughout the holiday season.  

How to Politely Bring up Safe Driving

Some people take anything they view as criticism poorly. If that sounds like your loved ones, there are ways to bring up safety without stepping on any toes. 

First and foremost, try to focus the conversation around safety and how poor weather can make driving even more hazardous. If you happen to see news about a crash caused by unsafe driving, it can be a good way to bring the topic up. Phrase things generally like, “Oh, I wonder if they weren’t giving that truck enough space. They have such huge blindspots you really need to hang back.” 

You can also gently ask if they know how to stay safe or the common causes of accidents and how to avoid them. 

Driving safety can be an easy topic to share without making someone feel attacked. 

The Common Accidents That Can Interrupt Your Holidays

Knowing how to react in dangerous situations can help save you or a loved one from needing to contact an Austin truck accident lawyer. While some accidents are caused by the actions of drivers, others are caused by the conditions on the road.

1. Save Dreaming of Sugarplums for Home

If you’re making a long drive to see family, you may be tempted to keep going even if you’re tired. Driving drowsy is incredibly dangerous! 

If you start feeling like your reaction times are slowing or you nod off, immediately find a safe place to rest. Drunk, drowsy, and distracted driving cause a huge amount of accidents every year in Texas.

2. Don’t Let Frustration Ruin Your Cheer

The stress of the holidays can lead to frustration, which can easily bleed over into driving and result in aggressive driving. If you feel yourself losing your temper, take the time to calm down.

3. Don’t Go Dashing Through the Snow

The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to dangers. Try to keep to the speed limit or a speed safe for the weather conditions you’re driving in. 

If you’re visiting family in colder areas, be cautious of speeding on roads that may have black ice.

4. Make Sure Your Sleigh is in Good Shape

If your car fails on the road, you won’t be able to enjoy your holidays. Always have your car checked by a mechanic if you have a big trip planned. You should also make sure your tires are in good shape and that the manufacturer hasn’t recalled any parts.

Got Into an Accident This Holiday Season? Ramos James Law, PLLC, Is Here for You

Even if you decided to be a better driver this year, sometimes accidents still happen. If you or a loved one have been injured or died in an accident, Ramos James Law, PLLC, can help. 

We have the experience to get you the justice your case deserves. We offer FREE consultations so you can learn what to expect from your case.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today