Anytime you get behind the wheel you could be at risk of getting into a car accident. Several factors influence how likely you are to be involved in a crash. One of those factors is arguably the state you live in.
Mississippi is the second most dangerous state to drive in. One reason for this might be seatbelt use. In Mississippi, half of all people killed in a crash were not wearing a seatbelt. If you live in Mississippi, this might alarm you. However, if you stay alert on the road and drive defensively, you may be able to avoid a crash.
How can you avoid being in an accident?
Avoiding distractions is key to driving safely. You may be able to drive more safely and avoid being in an accident if you follow these tips:
- Stay alert: Make sure you maintain your focus on the road and obey all traffic signs and speed limits.
- Drive defensively: Being aware of other drivers on the road is a key to safe driving. Expecting other drivers to do the unexpected will allow you to drive safely and defensively.
- Leave room ahead of you: It is usually a good idea to leave at least a two-second gap between you and the car in front. A two-second gap is about three car lengths.
- Wear a seatbelt: Wearing your seatbelt will keep you safe in the event of an accident. Your likelihood of walking away from an accident is much higher if you wear a seatbelt.
- Go hands-free: Distracted driving leads to accidents. Avoid the temptation to look at your phone. Turning your phone off while you are driving can help you drive safely.
- Adjust for weather: If you are driving in heavy rain, you might want to increase the gap between you and the car ahead. This will allow you to have more reaction time if anything goes wrong.
Even if you follow these rules, anything can happen. If you have been involved in a crash, contacting an attorney is a good idea. They can assess the situation and identify your options to guide you through the process.