Highways – like the 400 series in Ontario – involve higher speeds, heavier traffic, and more vehicles entering and exiting the roadway than a typical road. It can be more challenging to drive on the highway due to these factors, making safe driving critical to protecting yourself from accidents and injuries.
The Windsor car accident lawyers of Greg Monforton & Partners want you to remain safe on the highway with these important driving tips. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
1. Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time
When you plan your trip ahead of time, you will be better informed of challenges you may face while driving, eliminating the need for quick decision making while on the road. Review your route and the weather forecast and also find out if there are construction zones or accidents in your path prior to leaving. With this knowledge, you can plan a safe route.
2. Be Alert at All Times
Because of the many variables involved in driving on the highway, you should always remain solely focused on the task of driving. Put away your cellphone and any other distractions and focus your full attention on the road ahead.
If you become sleepy, take a break. Pull over to a safe spot and take a nap, or travel with another driver who can take turns so you may rest.
3. Follow Traffic Laws
Always follow traffic laws when driving on the highway. Familiarize yourself with Ontario’s rules for highway driving, speed limits and local traffic laws.
Traffic laws are designed to keep you safe. Failing to follow them puts you at risk of a collision, as well as traffic stops and fines.
4. Drive at a Safe Speed
Speeding is always a danger on highways, as the faster you drive, the greater your risk of being involved in an accident.
However, you also should not drive too slowly on the highway. When you drive far lower than the posted speed, other motorists may come upon you quickly, as they are not expecting you to drive so slowly. They may be unable to stop or maneuver in time, causing a collision.
Follow posted speed limits, but also adjust your speed appropriately for weather and traffic conditions.
Also, make sure you accelerate as you enter a highway to match the speed of merging traffic.
5. Signal to Alert Other Drivers
Make sure to use your turn signal well ahead of your maneuver. This will give other motorists time to prepare for your move, giving you additional space to switch lanes or exit safely. It also tells other drivers if they should wait to make a maneuver of their own.
If you do not signal and suddenly make a move, you risk colliding with other vehicles who were not aware of your intentions.
6. Drive in the Correct Lane
Create a habit of driving in the right lanes when possible. The far-left lane should be used only for passing traffic moving slower than the speed limit. If you are using the left lane to pass, move back into the right lane when it is safe to do so.
If you are approaching an entrance where other vehicles will be merging, give merging vehicles space to enter by moving out of the lane or adjusting your speed.
7. Improve Visibility
Make sure you can see the road ahead of you by keeping your headlights on after sunset and in poor weather. Keep your windshield, mirrors and headlights clean and free of dirt, snow and ice.
When the sun is out, wear sunglasses to protect your ability to see. When the sun is glaring off other vehicles, it can be difficult to observe their actions or judge distances, so leave yourself more room.
Get Help with Your Car Accident Claim
If you have been injured in a car accident, a skilled lawyer can assist you in pursuing compensation for the damages you have experienced, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Greg Monforton & Partners’ experienced personal injury lawyers pursue at fault drivers to help accident victims recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries. We will investigate your case and inform you what legal options are available for recovering compensation.
Request a free, no obligation consultation today. When working with our firm, there are no upfront fees and payment is only due if we recover compensation in your case.
Call (866) 320-4770 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form now.