When you’re driving in unfamiliar areas, it’s important to take extra precautions in order to avoid a car accident. Between reacting to new obstacles, observing new speed limits, and trying to find your way around, there are more opportunities for accidents to happen.
Our Michigan car accident attorneys want to make sure you stay safe on the roads. Here are 5 driving precautions to take when you’re traveling to a new area.
How to stay safe while driving in unfamiliar places:
- Pay attention to speed limit signs.
- Do your research.
- Don’t rely on GPS alone.
- Stay calm.
- Use your turn signal.
Observe the Speed Limit
It can be easy to miss road signs when you’re trying to look for your turn or read passing business signs. However, it’s important that you pay attention to . The speed limit for each area is carefully chosen based on traffic, pedestrians, as well as proximity to schools and residential neighborhoods.
If you’re unfamiliar with an area, our car accident lawyers recommend that you drive at or a little below the speed limit. Just make sure you stay in the right lane if possible so other vehicles can pass if they want.
Also, if you’re in a city with a lot of one-way streets, they may not always be labeled as such. You can watch what direction cars are going to determine whether or not it’s a one-way. You don’t want to be in a foreign city driving against traffic because you didn’t know which way to turn.
Research In Advance
Check out your route and destination ahead of time with Google Maps, MapQuest, or other online map tools. Google Maps even has a Street View feature that allows you to actually see your route as if you were there.
Take advantage of these tools and you’ll feel less overwhelmed when driving in an unfamiliar area. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident by a negligent driver, call one of ourcar accident lawyers today to request a consultation.
Don’t Rely Solely on GPS
While GPScan be a great tool for drivers in unfamiliar territory, it’s important that you don’t solely depend on it. GPS is great for urban areas and will map most (if not all) streets. However, GPS may not recognize less-traveled roads in rural areas. Not to mention, fumbling with your GPS while driving can lead to a car accident.
If you’re planning to drive somewhere new, write down your directions on an index card so you have backup information if your GPS fails you. You should also have local and state maps in your glove box. Unlike your smartphone, good old-fashioned maps never get low batteries.
If you need to reference any of these resources during your trip, it’s vitally important to pull off to the side of the road and then go through them. When you stop and then look at your maps, you’re better able to orient yourself and figure out where you are instead of trying to find yourself while moving on the road.
Don’t Panic
Stay calm if you miss your turn. Simply pull into a parking lot or driveway and turn around. You’re more likely to cause a car accident if you suddenly slam on your brakes or swerve into another lane to make your turn at the last minute. Keep your cool and remember that you can always turn around.
Not panicking includes not reaching for your phone while driving to figure out where you are. is a major cause of car accidents. If you get into an auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence, don’t hesitate to call our personal injury law firm to request a consultation with one of our car accident attorneys.
Remember Your Turn Signal
Use yourturn signal when you want to change lanes or turn. That way, other drivers will know what your intentions are and drive accordingly. When you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, it can be easy to forget good driving habits. Use your turn signal and follow the rest of our tips to reduce your chances of getting in a car accident.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by someone driving in an unfamiliar place, ourGrand Rapids, MI car personal injury lawyers will do everything in their power to hold the other driver responsible for their negligence.
Call Our Auto Accident Attorney
Even if you were partially responsible for the auto accident, you may still be eligible to receive compensation. To request a consultation with one of our Michigan auto accident attorneys, callBeurkens Law at (616) 459-5344.
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This blog post has been updated.
