We all worry about being involved in a car accident. The thought of being catastrophically injured in a auto collision is dreadful and is the last thing any of us want to suffer through. However, the reality is that we can be involved in a auto accident at any time, and severe personal injuries can occur.

TxDOT reports that in 2015 there were over 13,000 severe crashes with a little over 17,000 people sustaining serious injury. (You can find your city’s total number of crashes here.)

TxDOT also reported that the majority of crashes were due to: unsafe lane changes, inattention of drivers, following too closely, failing to yield, and the highest occurrence – failure to control speed.

Obviously, we cannot control the other drivers that are on the road around us, but we can take precautions to help avoid causing wrecks that can lead to catastrophic personal injury. Here are just a few ways that you can help not only keep you, and your loved ones safe, but those around you as well.

Always use your turning signals

Many of us were taught, when we first learned to drive, that one of the most important rules we should follow was to use our turn signals when needed.

If a car behind you is traveling at a high speed and you fail to signal your turn, this can potentially lead to a terrible accident.

According to state law, a motor vehicle operator who intends to turn left or right should signal continuously for no less than the last 100 feet of movement before the turn.

It is crucial that we also use our signals when changing lanes.

Failing to utilize your turn signal as you change lanes is unlawful and can lead to a fine, or worst, an unwanted accident. As previously mentioned, unsafe lane changing is one of the highest contributing factors of motor vehicle accidents on Texas roads.

Pay attention

Today’s face paced world means our minds are not always focused on just one thing. There may be instances when you are so distracted by other thoughts about work, family, etc., that you fail to remember that you are actually behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

Drive with your mind set on the road in front of you. Distracted driving is one of the leading reasons of auto accidents that cause serious personal injury. Put the cell phone down, set your station to where you like, get the kids comfortable, and clear your mind before heading on the road.

Keep your distance

Keeping your distance from the vehicle in front of you is essential, as driving too closely can quickly lead to an accident if the driver ahead of you suddenly breaks.

Remember the 3-second rule; keep 3 seconds of space between you and the car in front of you.

Don’t speed

TxDOT reported that over 26,000 crashes occurred in 2015 due to traveling at an unsafe speed.

While driving, keep an eye out for the speed limit in whatever area you may be traveling through. Also, it’s important to recognize that speeding accidents don’t only occur on the highway; they can easily happen on city streets as well.

If you see a car traveling at a high speed, contact the authorities, and report their unsafe driving.

It’s easy for us to forget the rules of driving through the years. Get a quick refresher and brush up on what we should be doing on the roads here.

If you’ve been catastrophically injured in a car crash while driving on Texas roads, The Garcia Law Group wants you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident where personal injury occurred, contact The Garcia Law Group for a free consultation. We can help you receive just compensation and get you the justice you are owed.

Contact our office at 956-661-8000.