It’s no secret that the road can be a dangerous place on any given day. When you’re out driving around Austin on I-35, it’s not uncommon to see car accidents along the way. These accidents can be even scarier than others because typically on the interstate everyone is traveling at a high rate of speed. This creates the need to focus on staying safe on the interstate. That’s why when you’re on the interstate, safety should be your number one concern, and there are a few key things to keep an eye out for to put yourself in the safest position possible. If you've been injured in a Texas interstate accident, contact Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC today for a free case review.
1. Always Buckle Up
Although it seems obvious, reminding drivers and passengers to buckle up can be a life saving tip. Studies have shown that seatbelts save around 15,000 passengers each year, and roughly 50% of passengers who are killed in car accidents are unrestrained.
If you get hit when you’re traveling at a high rate of speed and you’re unrestrained, the consequences can be fatal. Whether you’re ejected from the vehicle or jostled around inside the car, you’ll likely suffer severe injuries, or worse.
Always buckle up. It can save your life and keep you staying safe on the interstate.
2. Follow The Interstate Speed Limit
It can be tempting to ramp up the speed of your car when you’re out on the open road. Interstates are known for their elevated speed limits, and it’s not uncommon for drivers to take that speed a step further than they might on surface roads around town. The thing is, speed limits are not a means of just slowing down drivers for the sake of it. They are intended as a safety measure to avoid catastrophic accidents. We like to remind drivers that arriving 20 minutes late is infinitely better than not arriving at all. Stay safe and stick to the speed limit.3. Maintain a Safe Distance on The Interstate
Since you’re driving faster on the interstate, that means it also takes longer to come to a complete stop if you need to. If you’re driving too closely to the vehicle in front of you, you may not have enough time to react in the event they lose control of their vehicle or if traffic comes to a sudden stop. A good rule of thumb is you should leave enough space between you and the car in front of you that you would have three seconds to come to a complete stop.4. Be Mindful and Considerate of Those Around You
From motorcycles to semi-trucks, when you’re driving on the interstate there are a multitude of different types of vehicles around you. That’s why it’s critical to be aware and considerate of these other drivers. Although it’s common to get frustrated by a motorcycle weaving in and out of traffic or a semi-truck who’s driving in the fast lane, we will always recommend that you err on the side of caution, and anticipate any sudden moves other drivers might make.
When you’re changing lanes, check twice to make sure there’s not a motorcycle coming up behind you or a semi-truck who can’t see you in their blind spot.
When you stay fully aware of what’s going on around you, you give yourself the best chance of safely reacting to anything that may occur.
5. Take Breaks If You Need Them
One thing that is never okay is driving when you’re too tired to be on the road. Accidents occur every day as a result of a driver who was trying to push through a long road trip even though they were exhausted. Tired driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, and you should never do it. If you have passengers, take turns driving so everyone can take a break if needed. If you’re alone, find a safe place to stop and get some rest. No matter where you’re going, your safety comes first and driving tired should not be an option.6. Carefully Exit Your Car If You Are in an Accident
In the unfortunate event that you get in an accident on the interstate, if you’re not injured and can safely exit your vehicle, you should do so as carefully as possible. Typically, after an accident, traffic around you will have slowed down, but there could still be cars zooming by.
If possible, getting your car as far off the road as you can is a good way to keep yourself and your passengers staying safe on the interstate.
If you’re unable to move or exit the car safely, you should wait for the first responders to arrive and they can help you navigate the best way to get out of the vehicle.
If You’re Injured in an Accident, Attorney Ted Lorenz is On Top of It!
While all of these tips are great ways to make every effort to keep yourself and others staying safe as you navigate the interstate, we know accidents will still happen. At times, they’re unavoidable even if you do everything in your power to focus on safety. In the event you or a loved one gets hurt in an accident on the interstate in Texas, you should know that you aren’t alone. With Attorney Ted Lorenz and our entire team at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC behind you, you can rest easy knowing we’ll fight for you every step of the way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to cover any and all losses. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Austin, San Antonio, Waco, or anywhere in Texas, give us a call or fill out our online form to get started on a free case review today.