6 Tips for Defensive Driving

You've heard it before: defensive driving can help keep you out of accidents. It's nothing new, and it's a concept trumpeted by everyone from traffic cops to the DMV, but what defensive driving means exactly may be elusive. There are different ideas out there about how to drive defensively, yet they all share one thing in common. They help protect you from the unexpected. Because we all have to share the road with other people, being a safe driver yourself sometimes isn't enough. You have to also be prepared for the mistakes of others. If the unexpected does happen, you may need a good vehicle accident lawyer, but - hopefully - if you were driving defensively it won't come to that.

1. Keep hands on the wheel. This one seems really obvious, but, if you think about it, it's far too easy to take your hands off the wheel while driving, and we all do it. Still, you should try not to. Things like texting are an obvious no-no because they take your eyes of the road, but even more innocuous activities like eating or taking a sip of coffee can place you in compromising situations. If your hands aren't at 10 and 2, and something happens that you need to quickly react to, your response time and control over your car will be much more limited. 
2. Don't assume. Try not to make assumptions on the road. Just because someone has their turn signal on doesn't mean they will go that way. People mess up. Don't cut people off, or make quick moves because you don't know for certain that a person will slow down for you. They might not even see you. You might be tempted to make that turn without checking because it's the middle of the night and you don't see headlights, but don't do it. Check every time. Don't assume. 
3. Stay alert. Keep your eyes moving and scan other cars on the road. If you're paying attention when people do silly things, you'll be prepared for it. Stay aware of cars as they pass you or you pass them. They could attempt to turn into your lane, and if you see them do it, you can give them the horn before they do. 
4. Don't Linger in blind spots. If you're just slightly behind another vehicle in an adjacent lane, you're likely in their blind spot. Speed up or slow down to get out of this zone because if they decide to switch lanes they may not see you in their mirrors.
5. Maintain proper spacing. The ideal space between you and another vehicle is 1 car length for every 10 miles an hour of speed you travel. 50 miles per hour should be 5 car lengths. Just think about it, if they stop suddenly, and you're right on their bumper, you're going to hit them. It's a matter of math.
6. Don't drive mentally impaired. I don't have to tell you that drunk driving is foolish, reckless, and illegal, but try not to drive while impaired mentally either. This includes driving angry or tired which may prevent you from making good decisions.  

If you stay vigilant you can avoid dangerous situations, but if you still find yourself in a crash, you may need representation and an LA accident lawyer. If such a circumstance does arise, seek the Law Offices of Berg and Brock. As a top attorney in Los Angeles, we have your back.