In a statistical estimate by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32,310 people were killed in 2011 due to motor vehicle accidents. The number of auto accident fatalities and injuries has seen a steady decline in the last five years in both the United States and Oklahoma.

A number of different factors have contributed to the decline of traffic collisions. Driver education is among the biggest contributors to this drop in car crash statistics. As more and more distractions are introduced to the average driver, cell phones and GPS systems for example, motorists must take extra steps to avoid an accident.

Being a defensive driver is one of the most reliable techniques to creating a safe environment for yourself and the occupants in your vehicle. While drivers cannot alter the way other motorists on the road control their cars, trucks, or motorcycles, they can prepare themselves to react to the worst, which is the focus of Oklahoma defensive driving.

The Edwards Law Firm believes that accident victims deserve fair compensation for the losses that they have suffered because of anothers negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic crash, our staff is prepared to fight for your justice.

Complete a Free Case Review to learn more.

Oklahoma Defensive Driving

Operating a motor vehicle in Oklahoma is a serious responsibility. As more and more drivers enter the roadways, traffic congestion places vehicles at risk. According the AAA, traffic collisions cause a motorist fatality every 13 minutes in the United States. While some accidents are unavoidable, there a variety of techniques that place drivers in the best position to avoid an accident. Abiding by the Oklahoma defensive driving tips below will significantly reduce the likelihood of a traffic crash.

Avoid Distractions

Driving in todays busy world can be disruptive. With cell phones, GPS systems, audio devices, and more, driving from point A to point B becomes much more difficult. Texting and driving is the fastest growing sector in auto accident causality. Oklahoma defensive driving techniques support a zero-tolerance policy. No use of outside devices can be permitted while operating a vehicle. The ability to avoid distractions is one of the most successful defensive driving techniques.

Be Alert

While being alert may seem like a no-brainer when behind the wheel, far too many motorists ignore this simple concept. Oklahoma defensive driving means that motorists must look beyond standard traffic laws and place greater emphasis on potentially dangerous drivers on the road. Unsafe drivers often show signs of recklessness. Pay special attention for those vehicles making quick lane changes, illegal traffic activities, and who seem to have little regard for the rules of the road.

Communicate Driving Plans

Many traffic collisions can be avoided if the vehicle operator utilizes the communicators built into each and every car. Prior to making a turn or changing lanes, drivers must always use turning signals. Early signaling is essential to give those cars behind you ample time to stop or make adjustments.

Distance

Keeping an adequate level of distance between you and the car in front of you is critical when driving in Oklahoma. The two-second rule is the standard in the United States. The two second rule means that when the traffic is normal and weather conditions are favorable, your car should be at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front. The distance can be checked by spotting a landmark in the distance, seeing the point at which the car in front of you passes this landmark and then calculating how long it takes your vehicle to reach the mark. In addition, drivers should always be aware of the distance of cars both behind and in front of them, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.

Plan Alternatives and Avoid Assumptions

The safest of drivers always have a backup plan in mind for any potential hazard on the road. Oklahoma defensive driving involves the ability to plan for the unexpected. Potential alternative plans could include always finding an open lane in the event where a quick change can take place or knowing an alternative path of travel. In addition to planning, motorists in Oklahoma must never assume that they know what drivers around them are planning to do. Always anticipate a worst-case scenario.

Regular Maintenance

Oklahoma defensive driving may start before you step foot inside the vehicle. Regularly checking tires, tire pressure, oil, gas, and other elements of the car will prove advantageous in an unforeseen event. Maintaining a safe, well-kept vehicle is important to decrease the probability of a crash.

Wear Your Seat Belt

Wearing a seat belt greatly increases your chances of surviving a serious traffic collision. In Oklahoma, all drivers and passengers in the front seat that are 13 years of age and older must be properly fastened in a safety belt at all times. Children 12 and under must wear a seat belt regardless of where in the car they are seated.

Contact an Oklahoma Defensive Driving Lawyer

The Edwards Law Firm believes that negligent drivers are responsible to pay for the damages that accident victims undergo. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, we are prepared to seek justice for you. Combining our experience, resources, and knowledge, we fight hard so that our clients can focus on recovering.

For more information about your particular case, fill out a Free Case Review form.