Driving Safely in Seattle

Do you think you are a good driver? Unfortunately, so does everyone else, but the statistics say otherwise. Every year there are more than 5 million car accidents in the United States and more than 100,000 of those occur in Washington State alone. Morning commuters in Seattle know that traffic problems along Interstate 5 or Interstate 405 can be treacherous. In order to avoid being one of the statistics, here are some tips to help you drive safely in Seattle.

Tips for Driving Safely in Seattle

• Take a Driver Safety Course—most safety experts agree that new drivers and even seasoned drivers would benefit from a safety course. Driver safety courses can help drivers with emergency preparedness, driving in hazardous weather, and avoiding catastrophic accidents.

• Keep your Vehicle Properly Maintained—before you even hit the road, there are ways you can prevent a serious accident. Make sure that your vehicle has the right amount of oil and other important fluids. Also make sure that your tires are not worn and that they are adequately inflated. Check your brakes and brake pads frequently to ensure that you are able to stop in emergency situations.

• Carry an Emergency Kit—it is always wise to carry a fully stocked emergency kit with you at all times. This kit should include water, bandages, roadside flares, emergency numbers, a blanket in the winter, and tire repair kit. It is also wise to carry an emergency card on your person that includes the number to your insurance company, loved ones, and an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney.

• Put the Cellphone in the Glove Box—if you are too tempted to answer your cellphone or text while you are driving, then put your cellphone in the glove box. Talking and texting while driving is becoming a serious problem in the United States and contributes to thousands of accidents every year. Put all of your attention on driving and you will be able to avoid catastrophic accidents.

• Eliminate Road Rage—while it is never fun to be stuck in traffic, it is important to remain calm at all times when you are driving. Road rage can cause you to run stop lights, speed through intersections, and pass vehicles inappropriately. If you find yourself getting angry while driving, try listening to more soothing music, pull off the road to calm down, or consider changing your morning commute. Sometimes even leaving for work 10 minutes earlier can make a big difference!

• Unless you are at a Seahawks Game, Avoid Tailgating—the only appropriate time to enjoy tailgating is in a parking lot at a football game. While you are driving, however, maintain an appropriate distance behind the vehicle in front of you. You can do this by staying two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. In icy or rainy weather, try to maintain a distance of at least 7 seconds between you.

• Follow Speed Limit Signs—even though you may be in a hurry, it is best to avoid speeding. By driving carefully and cautiously, you may be able to give yourself time to maneuver out of dangerous situations. Speeding drivers do not always have enough time to stop in traffic and avoid accidents.

Seattle’s Best Personal Injury Attorneys

If you are injured in a car accident in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, or anywhere in the State of Washington, the personal injury attorneys at Phillips Law Firm are here to help. We will do everything we can to ensure that your interests are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation after a catastrophic car crash. Contact the experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys at the Phillips Law Firm today for a free consultation and review of your case. Call us at 1-800-708-6000 today.