In 2008, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reported that at least 70% of traffic collisions in Oklahoma involved 2 vehicles. Of the total Oklahoma collisions, 43% resulted in the incapacity of either the driver or vehicle passengers and 37% of the accidents were fatalities.
Although some auto accidents in Oklahoma are unavoidable, drivers can take steps to reduce their risk of auto accidents and to minimize the severity of an auto collision through preventative measures.
First, all drivers and passengers should wear their seatbelts while driving. It is the law in Oklahoma that seatbelts must be worn at all times, when a vehicle is in motion. Since many auto accidents occur when vehicles are traveling at slower speeds, such as 30mph, seat belts should be used even when drivers are not traveling at higher speeds.
Second, drivers should avoid tailgating other vehicles in order to allow enough reaction time for abrupt stops, or unforeseen reactions from other drivers. Tailgating has become an increasingly risky driving behavior that leads to both auto accidents and pedestrian injuries, especially in highway work zones.
Third, drivers should work to minimize distractions while driving. Studies have shown that distracted driving is a growing factor in the risk of automobile accidents. Driving distractions include eating food, cell phone usage, text messaging, and speaking with other car passengers simultaneously while driving. It is safer to find an area to pull over your vehicle, if you feel that outside influences will impose any distraction on your ability to drive. After all, it only takes less than a few seconds to be involved in an automobile collision.
Finally, drivers can limit their risk of auto accidents when they avoid speeding. Not only does speeding in an automobile place a person at risk for traffic citations, but speeding has also been a leading cause of Oklahoma vehicle collision fatalities.
In the event that you or a loved one was unable to avoid a car collision, the Oklahoma City automobile accident attorneys of Maples Law Firm can help you. Contact our office for your free legal consultation at (405) 705-5050, or submit a free online case evaluation form on our website at https://www.mapleslawokc.com.
