According to the Canadian government, in 2015 there were 5.6 automobile collision fatalities for every 100,000 people in Nova Scotia. A lot of factors contributed to this number, but every driver should focus on road safety to make sure he or she does not become a statistic. Practicing safe driving can save your life and greatly lower your risk of legal trouble. Here are some ways to reduce your risk of highway driving fatalities:
- Wear your seat belt. It’s a law of nature that bodies in motion tend to stay in motion unless acted on by another force. When your car abruptly brakes or gets into a collision, the passengers in the car will keep moving at 80km/h on some highways, with only a dashboard to stop them. Seatbelts help prevent this by safely restraining you and your passengers.
- Avoid distractions. Driver distraction is one of the largest leading causes of traffic accidents and using your phone while driving is one of the leading causes of driver distraction. Texting while driving is quickly becoming one of the most common causes of accidents in Halifax, with some statistics indicating that it increases your risk of an accident by up to 30%. Finding hands-free ways of using your phone or simply waiting to text when you reach your destination can save your life. In addition, using your phone without a hands free device is against the law in Nova Scotia. Being caught driving with your phone in your hand can result in a fine and possible demerit points attaching to your license.
- Don’t drive impaired. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and even fatigue can all impair your reaction time and coordination. If something happens on the highway, every split-second matters. Don’t put your convenience ahead of your safety. If you begin taking prescription drugs, follow your pharmacist and treating physicians’ advice on use, and even if there are no driving related warnings, it is always a good idea to wait until you’re sure of their effect on you before getting behind the wheel of a car.
- Don’t be an aggressive driver. Do you speed up to make a yellow light? Do you use the car horn when you’re angry with another driver? If you do, then you might be an aggressive driver. Not many people consider themselves to be aggressive drivers, but these behaviours can get you into just as much trouble as being an impaired driver. This is even truer at the high speeds required on the highway.
Even the best drivers sometimes run out of luck. If you’re involved in a highway accident, you should consult a lawyer to find out what your options are. Wagners—A Serious Injury Law Firm in Halifax have experience in personal injury law and are committed to working for your best interests. A car accident can cause everything from costly car damage to spinal injury to a loss of wages while you car is being repaired. Contact us today in our Halifax offices so one of our lawyers can help you focus on repairing any damage to your life.