All drivers on the roads must ensure they’re in the appropriate condition to drive. When they aren’t, serious crashes can occur. These can cause significant injuries or death.
There are a few behaviors that drivers shouldn’t ever allow to happen. These are all causes of crashes that are preventable. In many cases, identifying a driver doing one of these is as simple as watching for signs like swerving or stopping without a valid reason. Some people will speed or drive too slow when one of the following situations applies.
#1: Drunk driving
Consuming alcohol or drugs before you get behind the wheel can slow your reaction time and make it impossible for you to drive safely. Over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs are all major issues. It’s best to avoid taking any medications before you drive until you know how they will affect you.
#2: Drowsy driving
Drivers should be well-rested before they drive. It’s often tempting to try to drive as long as you can when you’re on a long trip, but this isn’t ever a good idea. There aren’t any good remedies for fatigue except for getting off the road and getting sleep. Common methods, such as drinking coffee or rolling down the windows, might work as a short-term solution, but it’s not a long-term one.
#3: Distracted driving
Distractions are terrible for drivers, even if the distraction doesn’t take that long. On average, a text message takes five seconds to read. In that time, a car will go the length of a football field if it’s moving at 55 miles per hour. Cellphones aren’t the only distraction to worry about. Drivers shouldn’t let other things like vehicle occupants, navigation systems or eating take away their attention from the road.
Anyone who’s harmed by a negligent driver should ensure they explore their option to pursue compensation. This is done through a civil claim and must be done within a certain time. Texas law has strict time limits for these matters so you can’t wait too long.