Ways to Avoid Getting in a Car Accident: Ft. Lauderdale

September 5, 2016 – Adam Mann

When it comes to being a safe driver, there’s more to it than just following the rules of the road. It also requires the ability to be a defensive driver as well as removing yourself from notoriously dangerous areas of traffic. So whether you’re looking for tips on avoiding car accidents for yourself or for someone you know in the Ft. Lauderdale area, use these driving tips to help keep you out of harm’s way while on the road.

Tip #1: Steer clear of driving in the fast lane.

When traveling through Ft. Lauderdale, using some of the major highways is certainly the quickest way to get around. But it’s important to be cautious while on these busy roads by avoiding the fast lane if possible, as it offers much less shoulder space to drive onto in case there’s a sudden need to stop and swerve out of the way. If you can, try to stay in the right lane whenever possible so you have more area to pull onto if you need to.

Tip #2: Know the high-traffic intersections in the area and avoid them when you can.

There are many dangerous intersections in the Ft. Lauderdale area, and if you can avoid passing through them, you should. Some of these busy intersections include:

  • Eastbound East Sunrise Blvd. at Northeast 15th Ave.
  • Southbound Northeast 15th Ave. at East Sunrise Blvd.
  • Southbound North Federal Hwy. at East Oakland Park Blvd.
  • Westbound Northwest 62nd St./West Cypress Creek Rd. at Northwest Ninth Ave./Powerline Rd.
  • Eastbound Northwest 62nd St./West Cypress Creek Rd. at Northwest 31st Ave.
  • Southbound Northwest 31st Ave. at Northwest 62nd St./West Cypress Creek Rd.
  • Eastbound West Sunrise Blvd. at Northwest Ninth Ave.
  • Westbound West Sunrise Blvd. at Northwest Ninth Ave.
  • Eastbound East Commercial Blvd. at North Federal Hwy./U.S. 1
  • Westbound East Commercial Blvd. at North Federal Hwy./U.S. 1

Tip #3: Remember your blind spots.

Every motor vehicle has blind spots, so it’s important to keep those in mind on busy highways. Use your turn signals and physically turn your head to look over your shoulder when changing lanes to ensure you have the most visibility possible. You can also adjust your side and rearview mirrors to a point where you have a fully panoramic view of the road behind you. Another thing to keep in mind is to watch for other drivers’ blind spots and avoid staying in them too long while driving alongside them.

Tip #4: Know that your vehicle has limitations, and don’t push them.

Your vehicle, whether old or new, has limits. Familiarize yourself with these specific restrictions and prepare for them. Ask yourself: can my car withstand long distances? Can it perform well in harsher weather conditions? Is it able to brake quickly if need be? Can it accelerate quickly if need be? You’ll also want to get an idea of what your tire traction, handling capabilities and more are so you can know how your vehicle will respond to different instances on the road. In heavily congested areas, it’s essential to know what your car is capable of, that way you can avoid situations that may make you more susceptible to getting into a car accident.

Tip #5: Refrain from driving at night, if possible.

While it may seem like a good idea to drive after sundown to avoid traffic, there are many dangers that come with being on the road this late. Some of these dangers include decreased visibility, increased fatigue, a greater chance for a higher number of intoxicated drivers on the road, and much more. Of course, sometimes driving at night is unavoidable, but if you have the option, try to drive during the day during non-peak hours.

Tip #6: Stay up to date with your vehicle’s routine maintenance.

As many local residents know, Ft. Lauderdale (and other cities in Florida, as well) is well known for having some pretty unpredictable weather, including sudden rainshowers, record-high temperatures and more. Because of this, it’s important to keep your car as up to date with regular maintenance so that it can adapt to certain hazards quickly. Avoid hydroplaning during a thunderstorm by staying alert, keeping your distance between cars, and having tires that are in good shape and well inflated. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition to give yourself the most visibility possible while driving through the rain. Ensure your brakes are also working well so you can stop quickly if needed to avoid a collision. Remember: accidents aren’t always caused by driver negligence—they can also happen from a vehicle malfunction caused by lack of proper maintenance.

Whether you’re a Ft. Lauderdale resident or just passing through the area, be sure to use these helpful tips to help you or a loved one avoid getting into a car accident while driving.

Para ver este artículo en Español, haz clic aquí.


 

Sometimes, however, accidents are unavoidable. That’s why it’s essential to know who to count on for legal help. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ft. Lauderdale, contact us at 1-800-33-COHEN today, or view our case studies below to view our experience with legal assistance in South Florida.

 

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