Anyone who drives in Central Florida knows how crazy and dangerous it can be, but learning some defensive driving tips can help you survive and lower your stress levels. There are plenty of car accidents in the Orlando area because of the combination of the types of road users and the unusually high number of them we have to deal with. Along with the regular folks just trying to get around, you have a huge number of tourists and a high volume of commercial traffic, all trying to get where they’re going on roads that are constantly under construction.
So, how do you get from here to there safely? Try these defensive driving tips.
Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
The most important thing is to stay alert. Mindfulness, they call it these days, and it simply means paying attention to what you are doing: operating a vehicle in often highly dangerous and unpredictable circumstances.v Not paying attention is called Distracted Driving, as in your mind has wandered away from the task at hand. And that’s kind of understandable, given all the distractions coming your way when you are trying to drive; your phone, your friends, your GPS, your french fries.
Nevertheless, you MUST:
- Keep your phone out of reach or use hands-free features.
- Set your GPS before starting your journey.
- Focus solely on driving and eat, or put on make-up or whatever when it’s not so dangerous to do so.
Pay attention to the road in front of you, watch your speed and expect the unexpected.
Maintain Safe Following Distances
Tailgating is a favorite sport for Orlando drivers—and a major reason for Orlando car accidents. You really can cut way down on your chances of a rear-end collision and crashes in general by maintaining a safe following distance. A good idea is to follow the “three-second rule,” which means staying at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. When caught in one of Florida’s dangerous downpours, double this distance to ensure enough time to brake safely.
Furthermore, pay attention to your surroundings by regularly checking rear and side view mirrors and blind spots. Always use turn signals when changing lanes or turning.
Key Defensive Driving Tips at a Glance
To summarize some of the most effective defensive driving practices:
- Stay focused and avoid distractions.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Adjust your speed for weather conditions.
- Always use turn signals when changing lanes or turning.
- Regularly check mirrors and blind spots.
- Obey traffic laws and speed limits.
Turn these defensive driving tips into habits to safe on Florida’s busy roads. By staying alert, maintaining safe distances, and adapting to weather conditions, you can minimize risks and protect yourself from devastating car accidents.
How an Orlando Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Despite following all defensive driving tips, accidents can still happen due to factors beyond your control, such as another driver’s negligence. If you’re involved in a car crash in Florida, an experienced Orlando car accident attorney can help you recover losses so you can get your life back on track.
An experienced and aggressive car accident attorney can help with medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, and pain and suffering. They work to ensure victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and financial hardships. If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. We have convenient locations throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, Haines City, and Davenport. Call today.
