Driving defensively is not just something that sounds good in a public safety awareness campaign. It is an absolute must for you to stay safe while driving on South Carolina roads. You only have control of your own actions behind the wheel, yet you need to be prepared for others to be both reckless and careless. If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver who is doing something wrong, you may be entitled to financial compensation. First, you must be prepared to deal with any allegations that you played a part in the circumstances surrounding the accident. 

The Importance of Driving Defensively at All Times

Driving defensively can encompass a number of actions that you need to take to stay safe. Defensive driving has been shown to reduce the overall risk of a car accident by as much as 21%. You cannot control what others do on the road, so you need to prepare yourself as much as possible to react when necessary.

Your overall mindset needs to be one of risk reduction, as opposed to getting where you need to go as quickly as possible. First, it means not driving aggressively or recklessly and following traffic laws at all times. Second, defensive driving also involves maintaining a safe following distance between your car and other vehicles. When you drive defensively, you have a better ability to anticipate the actions of other motorists, and you are better able to react to them. 

You Must Pay Full Attention Behind the Wheel

Performing certain secondary activities behind the wheel at the same time as driving raises the risk of a car accident by nearly four times. Distracted driving can include things such as cell phone usage or even daydreaming. No matter where you are on the road in South Carolina, or what time it is, you must have your full attention on the road. First, being attentive is the key to practicing defensive driving. Second, being inattentive can cause you to lose control of your car or not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident.

Be Extra Cautious at Night and in Rural Areas

Although there are more accidents by number during the day, the ones that happen at night are typically more serious. Nighttime car accidents have a greater chance of resulting in personal injury and fatalities. The reason is that drivers tend to travel faster at night, and there is a greater chance that they can lose control of their vehicle. Because a driver is unable to see at night, there is also a higher chance that they can end up in the wrong lane, causing a serious head-on crash. Some extra caution and driving defensively can assist you in reaching your destination safely at night. Further, make sure that you are well rested and not fatigued when you get behind the wheel at night.

Not only does furthering your own safety reduce the chances that you are involved in a car accident, but it can also preserve your right to full financial compensation if you are injured in a crash. South Carolina uses the law of modified comparative negligence. If you are partially blamed for the car accident, your recovery would be reduced by the percentage of blame that you bear. If you were more than 50% to blame, you would not be able to receive anything at all. Being able to point to your own safe and defensive driving can frustrate the insurance company’s attempt to blame you for the accident. 

Mt. Pleasant Car Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Help Injured Drivers

When you have been injured on the roads by the actions of another driver, speak to the Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC.  We can guide you through the claims process in an effort to get you the highest amount of compensation for your injuries. You can schedule a free initial consultation by sending us a message online or by calling us today at 843-727-6500. We have offices in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, and we serve clients throughout the state.