Did you know that certain driving habits increase your risk for an auto accident in Michigan? Fortunately, our Grand Rapids, MI car accident attorneys are here to let you know what habits you should immediately stop so you can be safer while driving.
We understand that car accident injuries can affect your ability to return to work and do everyday tasks, which is why we do everything in our power to make sure clients get the compensation they deserve.
Continue reading to learn about the 5 driving habits that cause car accidents in Michigan. If you or a loved one have been recently injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of our car accident attorneys.
Common driving habits that cause car accidents:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Not using your blinker
- Not driving for weather conditions
- Driving while tired
Driving Under the Influence
It’s a myth that you can’t be arrested for drunk driving if you’re under the legal limit. In reality, you should never get behind the wheel of a car if you think your ability to drive has been compromised.
While it’s certainly easier for the prosecution to build their case if your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08% or higher, the officer who arrested you can still testify that they saw you weave in traffic or witnessed other behaviors that would indicate you were too intoxicated to drive.
It’s also important to understand that different people have different thresholds for how much alcohol they’re able to drink before getting “tipsy” or drunk. Even if you think your BAC is below 0.08%, get a ride with a sober friend or call a taxi if you think you won’t be able to drive home safely. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is an umbrella term that refers to any tasks you should wait to do until after you pull your car over in a safe location. Types of include eating, having the radio turned on too loud, and texting and driving.
Whatever the distraction is, it can wait till you’re in a safe location. There’s no need to jeopardize your health/life just to send that text message, make that call, or whatever it may be. If you’re on a longer road trip and need to make an urgent call, pull over somewhere safe and then call.
Texting and driving is illegal in the state of Michigan and is a primary offense. This means that a police officer can pull you over solely for texting and driving. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to , call one of our car accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Not Using Your Turn Signal
The turn signal on your car is your way of communicating your intention to other drivers when you want to change lanes or turn. Unfortunately, there are many drivers who never use their turn signals or only use them on occasion.
When you don’t use your turn signal, it becomes too easy for you to accidentally cut off another vehicle and cause an accident. Your turn signal is there for a reason, an important reason. For your safety and the safety of those around you, remember to use it.
Your turn signals are especially important when you’re in dense traffic. However, even when there’s little to no traffic, using your turn signal builds the habit for when there is traffic. Use your turn signal. The other drivers on the roads will thank you.
Not Driving for Weather Conditions
While Michigan doesn’t get snow and ice year-round, you still need to exercise caution when driving during the warm months. For example, heavy rain can make roads slippery, increase your risk of hydroplaning, and limit visibility.
When you know the weather is going to be bad, give yourself extra time on your commute so you don’t have to worry about being late to work. Also, be sure to put more distance between you and the car in front of you.
That way, you’ll have plenty of time to stop if the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly. If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident where weather was a factor, don’t hesitate to call our car accident attorneys to request a consultation.
Driving While Tired
If you’re truly exhausted, no amount of caffeine is going to make you an alert driver. If you think your ability to drive has been compromised by your lack of sleep, we recommend getting a ride from someone or even pulling over to take a nap until you feel rested enough to drive safely.
Even if you consumed enough caffeine to stay awake, there’s a high probability that your eyes won’t be focused enough to pick up everything on the road, whether that’s a turn you need to make, wildlife crossing the road, or even depth perception for the car in front of you.
Keeping your eyes open is one thing, but keeping them focused and oriented on your surroundings is another. We can’t tell you how many tragic accidents have happened in our great state because of exhausted drivers who fell asleep behind the wheel. Don’t let this be you.
Request a Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured because of someone else’s negligence, be sure to request a consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. Our auto accident attorneys have experience helping clients receive the compensation they deserve. Even if you were partially responsible for the car accident, you may still be eligible for compensation.
Our car accident lawyers are proud to serve clients in Grand Rapids and surrounding West Michigan. To request a consultation with one of our auto accident attorneys in Grand Rapids, MI, call Beurkens Law at (616) 459-5344.
This blog post has been updated.
