Automobile Accident Lawyers Advise Tampa, Florida Residents to Drive Defensively

According to the Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety there were 5.81 million car accidents in America in 2008. That statistic illustrates how dangerous our roads can be for every driver, and why automobile accident lawyers are so busy. At Clark & Martino, P.A., our automobile accident lawyers want Tampa, FL residents and visitors to stay safe behind the wheel, and one of the best ways to do that is to practice defensive driving. By following the rules of defensive driving you can reduce the chances of having a traffic accident and suffering devastating consequences that come with one. Every year accidents lead to drawn-out lawsuits, loss of wages, property damage, mental anguish, catastrophic physical injuries, and even death. Automobile accident lawyers can attest that accidents happen to people of every race, age and economic status without exception and the only way to protect your self is with safe driving habits.

Here are a few defensive driving pointers from the automobile accident lawyers at Clark & Martino, P.A.:

• Use your signals. Simply signaling when turning or changing lanes can make a big difference when traveling on busy roads. If other drivers have to guess about your next move, they may not be able to brake in time or slow down to let you merge.
• Follow at a safe distance. You never know when the vehicle ahead of you may have to hit the brakes or swerve around another vehicle or obstacle in the road. Use the three-second rule. Watch as the vehicle ahead of you passes an object and make sure at least three seconds pass before you pass the same object. 
• Be observant. You may be in the habit of driving your daily commute while eating breakfast, applying makeup, or talking on the phone, but those are dangerous practices. They distract you from the drivers around you and road conditions, reducing your reaction time.  Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road for maximum road safety.

Unfortunately, even the most defensive drivers find themselves in accidents now and again. If this happens to you, contact the automobile accident lawyers at Clark & Martino, P.A., in Tampa at 1-888-868-5615, and we’ll be glad to schedule a free consultation about your case.