Everyone with a driver’s license has passed a driving test, and therefore, should be equipped to safely and responsibly operate a vehicle. Still, many car accidents in Albuquerque are caused by incidents that could have easily been avoided. So, whether you’re a new driver preparing to take on the road or an experienced driver who needs a quick review, here are five simple tips to help you drive safer and smarter.
1 – Plan Ahead, Be Prepared
Grocery store, roadtrip, daily commute—no matter where you’re headed, plan ahead and be prepared to leave early so that you’re not running late. Running late means you’ll rush and drive distracted and over the speed limit. Leave early so that you have time to safely drive to your destination.
2 – Visually, Manually, and Cognizantly Focus on Driving
The moment you get behind the wheel, click your seatbelt, and start the car, you should be ready to fully focus on driving. That means keeping your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your mind focused on driving. Put your phone away, put the food down, and choose a playlist ahead of time—limiting distractions will limit your chances of being involved in an Albuquerque car accident.
3 – Don’t Tailgate
If you’re following the vehicle in front of you too closely, you’re asking to be involved in a car accident. Don’t tailgate. Instead, practice a safe distance and follow the three-second rule: the time difference between the vehicle in front of you and your vehicle should not be less than three seconds. For example: if the vehicle in front of you passed a sign on the side of the road, you should pass that same sign no more than three seconds later. Avoiding tailgating helps avoid your involvement in a rear-end accident.
4 – Follow the Speed Limit
It may be a straight-forward rule, but it’s often one that’s often ignored. Speed limits are designated to keep everyone—drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and beyond—safe on the roadways, highways, residential areas, and school zones. Always keep an eye out for speed limit signs and immediately adjust to the changed limit. If you’re ever unsure of what the speed limit is, the typical speed limits in New Mexico are as follows:
- Rural highways: 75 mph
- Residential and business districts: 35 mph
- School zones: 15 mph
5 – Watch the Weather (and Drivers)
Weather can cause unstable and dangerous driving conditions. If you’re uncomfortable or not experienced driving in inclement weather, it’s best to avoid it or pull off to the side of the road until it’s passed. Though you may want to go heavy on the brakes, don’t—it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or skid on ice. Additionally, it’s best to drive at slower speeds and maintain a further distance from vehicles in front and around you to avoid spinning out or hydroplaning. During inclement weather, it’s also important to be extremely aware of other drivers. Though you may be an experienced driver in all Albuquerque weather conditions, others aren’t and could cause an accident.
Victim of an Albuquerque Car Accident?
Call The Dinelli Law Firm!
Even if you practice these rules everytime you drive, there is still a chance that you may become the victim of a car accident. Albuquerque residents—if you’re involved in a crash, trust the lawyers at The Dinelli Law Firm to fight for you!
Call us at (505) 582-2157 for a FREE no-obligation consultation now!