Auto accidents occur almost every day due to negligent driving habits, including unsafe lane changes, speeding, and improper turning. Fortunately, you can protect yourself and avoid an unexpected consultation with an attorney by learning defensive driving. Here’s what you need to know. 

A Short Guide to Defensive Driving

1. Plan

Before you even get in the car, plan your trip. Make sure you know where you’re heading, and check the traffic. Leave yourself enough time to make it to your destination without speeding. Additionally, keep the weather conditions in mind. If there’s heavy rain, drive slower, turn carefully, and avoid switching lanes unnecessarily. Finally, stick near the shoulder when you’re on the highway; this will give you space to pullover if there’s an emergency. 

2. Avoid Distractions

Driving safely is about being proactive and paying attention to the road. You can do this properly by minimizing distractions. For example, never text, surf the web, scroll through social media, or fix the GPS while operating the car. Also, adjust your seat, mirrors, sounds systems, and air conditioning and heating prior to driving. Finally, stay away from snacking while you drive. If you do plan on eating, avoid messy foods like sandwiches or pizza. 

3. Watch Your Surroundings

When people get into crashes, they often say the other car came out of nowhere. This is a situation you want to avoid, so scan intersections before going through them and check your mirrors regularly. By doing this, you’ll avoid getting hit by drivers who carelessly run red lights. Additionally, look over your shoulder whenever you switch lanes; don’t depend on your mirrors alone. Finally, constantly scan for cyclists and pedestrians, especially if you’re driving in a city or suburban area.

Even if you follow the above tips, auto accidents can be inevitable, especially if another driver is negligent. When you need a dependable attorney, contact Ely, Bettini, Ulman, Rosenblatt, & Ozer, Attorneys at Law. Serving Phoenix, AZ, they have 200 years of combined experience representing clients. Their lawyers will help you understand the legal process, extensively study the details of your case, and negotiate a settlement you’ll be happy with. Call (800) 303-2144 to set up a consultation with an attorney, or head to their website to learn more about their services.