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Safety

What You Can Do to Avoid a Car Accident on Your Next Road Trip

September 12, 2022 by Christopher

Adopt these safety habits to decrease your chances of being involved in an automobile accident on your next road trip.

If you frequently travel, you may not think about road safety as much as you should. The truth is that you take a risk every time you drive, and when you do so for lengthy periods, there are even more potential dangers. The best way to avoid an accident is by adopting the following safety habits. If you adhere to them fully and still end up in a crash, call an experienced St. Louis auto accident lawyer to learn about your legal rights.

car accident on road trip

Check Your Car Before Leaving

If you have a long car ride ahead, you likely have some preparations to make before leaving. Part of that routine should be checking the critical aspects of vehicle maintenance, which are tire pressure, tire wear, and brakes. While experienced people can do these checks themselves, most of us need to see a mechanic. Once you confirm that your car is in good shape, you can set off on your journey confidently.

Switch Drivers

Though many long drives are navigated alone, a significant portion is done with others. This is often the case for road trips in which family or friends take on the journey together. In these situations, do not let one person drive the entire time. This will cause fatigue in that driver and put everyone in danger. Instead, switch off and keep a fresh set of eyes behind the wheel at all times.

Know When to Use Cruise Control

One of your best tools for making a long drive comfortable is cruise control. You can set it to a certain speed, take your foot off the pedals, and get some reprieve. Unfortunately, cruise control is not appropriate at all times. When you are in heavy traffic or inclement weather, using this function will lower your reaction time and put you at risk. Your best bet is to only use it when weather conditions are optimal, and there are few cars on the road.

Keep Your Seatbelt On

At some point in your long drive, you may feel the urge to take your seat belt off. This is a mistake. No matter how uncomfortable you feel with it on, you need to keep wearing it. If you do not, a relatively harmless accident could result in a severe injury.

Be Honest About Your Fatigue

On long drives, and especially ones that go through the night, your chances of becoming fatigued are high. When you do, you cannot try to “tough it out” and keep driving. Instead, switch drivers or stop at an area where you can rest. Even if this means staying at a hotel, you should do it. The cost of a room is much less than getting injured in a car accident.

Safe Driving In Unfamiliar Areas

If you’re like most people, you may feel a little anxious driving in an unfamiliar area. After all, you don’t know the layout of the roads or where all the potential hazards are. However, there’s no need to let anxiety get the better of you. With a little planning and preparation, you can confidently navigate even the most unfamiliar territory. Here are some tips to help you out:

Do Your Homework

Before setting out, do your homework and familiarize yourself with the area you will be driving in. This means researching the route you will be taking. Check for closures, construction, detours, and other potential hazards. Also, take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the roads and intersections. 

In addition to familiarizing yourself with the route, it’s also important to ensure you’re familiar with the local traffic laws. This includes knowing the speed limit and any other regulations that may be specific to the area. If you are unsure about any of the local traffic laws, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and follow the posted speed limit. Taking these precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip when driving in unfamiliar territory.

Plan Your Route

Once you have a good understanding of the area, it’s time to start planning your route. Use a GPS or map app to determine the most efficient route to your destination. Also, it’s generally best to avoid back roads and stick to major highways. This will help you stay on familiar terrain and avoid getting lost. If you need to take a back road, drive slowly and watch for any potential hazards. Also, remember to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so you can relax and enjoy the drive.

Pay Attention to Traffic Signs and Be Patient

When driving in an unfamiliar area, it’s important to pay attention to traffic signs and be patient. This means being aware of the posted speed limits and obeying all traffic laws. It also means being cautious when approaching intersections, yield signs, and areas where pedestrians are present. 

Make Your Intentions Clear

This is an important point. Always make your intentions clear when driving in unfamiliar places. Use your turn signal to let other drivers know what you’re doing, and don’t make any sudden lane changes. If you need to pull over to get your bearings, do so in a safe and well-lit area. And always yield to pedestrians, even if they don’t seem to be following the rules of the road. 

It’s always important to drive defensively, especially in an unfamiliar area. You never know what you might encounter on the road, so it’s best to be prepared. The above tips can help you stay safe when driving in unfamiliar territory.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

Long drives can be dangerous. By following the tips on this list and adhering to general driving safety guidelines, you will make yourself and everyone around you that much safer.

If, despite your best efforts to drive safe, you end up in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, get in touch with an experienced car accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. for free legal advice 24/7.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Safety

6 Ways to Prevent Auto Accidents When Driving Early in the Morning

March 2, 2022 by Christopher

This article will discuss six ways to stay safe on the road and prevent car accidents when driving early in the morning.

Auto accidents during the early morning hours are common. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent these accidents from happening. This article will discuss six ways to stay safe on the road when driving early in the morning.

st. louis man driving in the early morning

Early Morning Car Accidents

First, let’s take a look at some of the statistics associated with morning accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than one-third of all car accident fatalities occur between the hours of midnight and six in the morning. Furthermore, drivers are about four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident during these early hours than they are during the afternoon or evening. There are several reasons for this disparity. For one, many people are driving on tired legs after a long night of sleep. Additionally, there tends to be more traffic on the road during the morning hours, and visibility is often reduced due to darkness and foggy conditions. Finally, many drivers aren’t paying attention to the road because they’re distracted by their morning routines.

How to Stay Safe

So, what can you do to stay safe when driving early in the morning? Here are six tips:

1. Ensure You Get a Good Night’s Sleep Before Getting Behind the Wheel. It’s important to be well-rested when driving, and this is especially true during the early morning hours.

2. Start Your Car and Let It Warm Up for a Few Minutes Before Driving. This will help you see better and avoid being blinded by oncoming headlights.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings and Watch for Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Other Vehicles.

4. Avoid Distractions. Keep your windows rolled up and the radio turned off so you can focus on the road.

5. Avoid Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol. It’s never safe to drive while impaired, and the risks are even greater during the early morning hours.

6. Leave Extra Space Between Your Car and the One in Front of You. This will give you more time to react if someone cuts you off or slams on their brakes.

Though driving early in the morning can be challenging, following these tips can help you stay safe on the road.

What if You’re Hit by Another Driver and Sustain an Injury?

Sadly, despite your best efforts, you may still be involved in an accident. If this happens, it’s important to know what to do.

First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries aren’t visible right away, so it’s important to be evaluated by a professional.

Next, speak with an experienced car accident attorney. They can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you legally deserve.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

Have you been involved in an early morning accident in St. Louis, Missouri? The experienced car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm are here for you. We have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve and can help you too. Call us today for a free consultation!

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Claims, Injured in a Car Accident, Safety

Can Following the 3-Second Rule While Driving Help Prevent Car Accidents?

February 4, 2022 by Christopher

Here’s why following the 3-second rule while driving is important and can help prevent automobile accidents.

What is the 3-Second Rule?

The three-second rule is a guideline that states you should give yourself at least three seconds of distance between your car and the car in front of you when driving. This generally gives you sufficient time to react if the driver in front of you slams on their brakes or makes a sudden stop.

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driving in traffic

Why is It Important to Follow the Rule?

Following the three-second rule is important for a few reasons. First of all, it can help you avoid accidents. If you’re too close to the car in front of you, you might not have time to stop if they brake suddenly.

Secondly, it can help reduce stress while driving. For example, when you’re following too closely, you’re more likely to get frustrated if the driver in front of you is going slowly or making stops. However, if you give yourself some extra space, you may be less likely to get angry and more likely to enjoy your drive.

How Can You Follow the Rule?

There are a few different ways you can make sure you’re following the three-second rule while driving.

One way is to measure your distance by using objects on the side of the road as markers. When the car in front of you passes a mailbox, for example, start counting how many seconds it takes you to reach the mailbox. If you can’t make it there before finishing the count, you’re likely following too closely.

Some apps and devices can help measure your distance from the car in front of you. These tools usually use sensors to calculate the distance and can be mounted on your windshield or dashboard.

When Should You Leave a Greater Following Distance?

While the three-second rule is a general guideline, there are times when you should consider leaving a greater following distance. For example:

  • If the car in front of you is a large truck. These vehicles need more space to stop, so it’s important to give them more room than you would a smaller car.
  • If the car in front of you backs up or has stopped for no apparent reason.
  • You should always leave a greater following distance when driving in bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow. Leave a greater following distance to allow yourself more time to react if the driver in front of you makes a sudden stop.
  • You should also give yourself more space when driving on unfamiliar roads or in areas with a lot of traffic.

By following the three-second rule, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

While you may do your part to keep the roads safe, accidents can still happen due to the negligence of another driver. If you have been injured in a car accident, our St. Louis car accident lawyers are here to help. We can review your case for free and help you understand your legal options.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Safe Driving, Safety

6 Surprisingly Common Missouri Boating Accidents

August 9, 2021 by Christopher

Let’s discuss six common types of boat accidents and how you can pursue compensation for injuries suffered from a boat accident.

Excessive speed, alcohol use, reckless boating, operator inattention, and inexperience are common reasons for boating accidents. Unfortunately, when these accidents occur, they often cause catastrophic injuries or, worse, death.

Sadly, boating accidents have been on the rise. In 2020 alone, 767 people were killed and 3,191 others injured in boat accidents in the country. Let’s review common types of boat accidents and how you can pursue compensation for injuries suffered from a boat accident.

missouri speed boat

Crash with Other Water Vessels

Summer is a good time to go fishing and have fun on the water. However, boat operators may lose concentration and crash into other water vessels amidst all the excitement–distracted, inexperienced, drunk, or overly reckless. When this happens, you are likely to suffer severe injuries, given that there are no safety belts on boats.

Collision with a Fixed Object

It’s easy for boat operators to lose sight of objects around them and collide on piers or submerged rocks. Unfortunately, the impact of such a collision may throw you out of your boat and cause debilitating injuries.

Drowning Accidents

Unpredictable weather may ruin your boating experience. Powerful waves can hit your boat and make it overturn. As this happens so fast, you may panic and end up drowning.

Flooding

While boats may be appealing on the outside, not all are mechanically fit for the deep water. For example, a leak in the boat will allow water to pour in, increasing the boat’s chances of sinking due to flooding. This increases your risk of drowning, especially if you don’t know how to swim.

Skiing Accidents

Water skiing can be fun. However, it has its fair share of risks. For example, if an inexperienced boater is pulling you, the odds of hitting the water at a bad angle are high and could leave you with serious injuries.

Falls Overboard

Unsecure seating and rowdy actions are the main causes why skiers, passengers, or even the boat operator fall off the vessel.

You can also fall off the boat due to rough weather or abrupt maneuvering. As a result, you may suffer trauma and other severe bodily injuries.

How Should You Proceed After a Missouri Boating Accident?

If you ever find yourself in a boating accident, it’s important to call for help right away. Immediate rescue can help save lives and reduce the severity of injuries. Then seek medical attention—don’t underestimate any accident as even minor accidents can get out of hand.

Once you are up and running, get in touch with a St. Louis accident attorney. Your attorney can help you pursue compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and medical bills you may incur due to the accident.

Speak With a St. Louis Injury Lawyer

At The Hoffmann Law firm, we can help you collect solid evidence to prove that you were involved and injured in a boat accident that wasn’t your fault. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Safety

Could Some “Car Safety Features” Actually Be Hazards?

July 9, 2021 by Christopher

While most would like to think of these as a positive development, some recent reports suggest that some safety features fail to deliver.

Unfortunately, car accidents are a common occurrence on Missouri roads, and every year, thousands of people get injured and killed due to the negligence of other drivers. While there is no sure way to prevent all accidents, certain safety features can prevent certain types of accidents and help avoid car accident injuries. With technological advancements, more and more safety features are being added to cars, and modern cars are generally much safer than cars that are a decade old.

high tech car safety features

It seems that each new model year brings cars with additional safety features and more technological updates. While most would like to think of these as a positive development, some recent reports suggest that some safety features fail to deliver desired effects.

What exactly is the problem?

At least 20 percent of the new car owners have not used 16 of the 33 technology features available in their cars. In its first Driver Interactive Vehicle Experience Report, J.D. Power revealed that some of the technology features that the car owners were not using were safety features. It was found that around 35 percent of the drivers admitted to having never used the automatic parking feature.

The study found that if the driver failed to use the safety technology in the first 30 days of purchase, it is likely that they never will. Considering this, the researchers recommend that dealerships play an essential role by explaining the technology features better to the new car owners.

Another survey was conducted by the University of Iowa in which it was revealed that a large percentage of drivers are not sure of how at least some of the safety features in their car work. As seen in the J.D. Power study, a significant reason for this confusion and uncertainty is the lack of understanding. This can be improved by better education of car buyers by dealerships.

In other states, attempts are being made to educate car owners about the safety features in their cars. The National Safety Council, Department of Transportation, and the University of Iowa have recently started educating drivers on how safety technology works. The idea is to clear the confusion among drivers and stop them from using their safety features effectively. This can help to bring down car accident injuries and fatalities.

If you think you are uncertain about how certain safety features in your car work, we suggest you speak to the car dealer or your mechanic. You can find ample resources to help you acquaint yourself with various safety features in your car.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a St. Louis car accident, call (314) 361-4242 to discuss your claim with an experienced accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. free of charge.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Safety

The Dangers of Not Wearing Your Seat Belt

February 16, 2021 by Christopher

There is a strong link between the failure to wear a seat belt and many serious injuries and fatalities resulting from car accidents.

Car accidents can occur anytime, anywhere. Missouri sees a fair share of car accidents, and many people get injured and lose their lives in these accidents. In Missouri, car accidents occur for various reasons, including the negligence or recklessness of one or more drivers. Regardless of the cause of the accident, the resulting injuries can be life-changing. There is a strong link between the failure to wear a seat belt and many serious injuries and fatalities resulting from car accidents.

buckling seat belt

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, six out of 10 Missourians killed in traffic crashes are not wearing their safety belts. In fact, traffic accidents are among the most common causes of fatalities for those aged 30 and less in the US. In Missouri, people in the age group of 21-34 years are at the biggest risk of death from car accidents.

Recent statistics indicate that the rate of seat belt usage lags behind the national average. In fact, in 2019 around 87 percent of Missouri drivers use seat belts, while the national average was around 90 percent. If drivers and passengers used the restraint systems and strapped their children into appropriate boosters and car seats, the number of serious injuries and fatalities could be reduced significantly.

Most of us believe that winters are often a dangerous time to be on the roads because of poor weather conditions such as fog, snow, and ice. However, summertime has its dangers as well. Safety often depends on the drivers’ and passengers’ actions because it is often the negligence of a driver that directly causes a car accident and the resulting damages. Therefore, it is important to follow all traffic rules while driving, including wearing your seat belt at all times.

Injured in a St. Louis Auto Accident?

If you have been involved in a St. Louis auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have a legal right to seek compensation. To ensure you do not settle for less than you are legally entitled to for present and future expenses, speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Safe Driving, Safety

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    The images included on this site are not actual attorneys, events, or clients. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. Attorney Chris Hoffmann handles car and truck accident claims throughout Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois. He represents injured clients in St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Clayton, East St. Louis, Alton, Hillsboro and Belleville, and other cities in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson Country, MO, and St. Clair County and Madison County, IL.