A Quick Car Safety Check Can Save You From Causing An Auto Accident
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
You may know what it’s like to be in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence in St. Petersburg or the surrounding areas, but do you know what it’s like to be the cause of that accident? Causing an auto accident can lead to injury, insurance premium price hikes, and feelings of guilt, especially if another motorist or their passenger gets injured as a result of your negligence. If you were driving safely, paying close attention to the road, and doing what you believed you were supposed to be doing – how could this happen? It may be caused by your vehicle, and it may have been preventable with a simple safety checklist.A safe vehicle is a vehicle that is less likely to cause an accident. For those who don’t consider themselves to be car hobbyists or enthusiasts, jumping into your vehicle and turning the key might be all you really think about outside of annual inspection time. There could be hidden hazards lurking in your vehicle and knowing a simple checklist to follow is a great way to determine if you’re safe to be taking on the road.
Breaking Down The Checklist
Before you drive off onto the road, a few things you should check on your vehicle are:
• Your tires – A tire blowout or flat can quickly cause you to lose control over your vehicle, and you may not have even realized your tires are low in the first place. Keep a tire gauge on you to make sure your pressure is just right and pay close attention to any low-pressure lights that might come on in your vehicle. Especially before a longer road trip or journey, safe tires are a must.
• Lights – Even on a new vehicle, a headlight or taillight can burn out quickly and completely without warning. Dead bulbs on your vehicle can hinder your visibility at night and make you less visible to other drivers on the road. Before getting on the road, check your headlights and taillights to make sure all bulbs are working properly.
• Fluid leaks – If you notice a puddle under your vehicle, that should be an alert to call a local St. Petersburg mechanic. While it may simply be condensation from your air conditioning system in the summer, it could also be oil or brake fluid pointing to a potential safety hazard.
• Windshield wipers – In St. Petersburg, storms can roll in fast, hit hard, and be far away just as quickly. If a rainstorm does approach, you want to be prepared and protected while you’re on the road. Windshield wipers that don’t work can leave you blind and highly susceptible to an accident. A quick check of your windshield wipers before you drive away can save you from a potentially very hazardous situation.
With quick safety measures taken care of, you can drive away with confidence knowing that you’re far less likely to encounter any unpleasant surprises during your trip.
If You’ve Been In An Auto Accident
While you can control the state of your vehicle, you can’t control other drivers on the road. If you’ve been in an auto accident, it’s important to prepare yourself with the right representation. Skilled and experienced auto accident lawyers in St. Petersburg are here to make sure you can get the compensation you deserve to cover your damages. If you’d like to know more about what we can do for you after an auto accident, contact us at TheStPeteLawyer.com today.