Five Tips to Avoid Auto Accidents in Spokane

Car accidents are on the rise in Eastern Washington and throughout the entire country. The preliminary data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that motor vehicle accident fatalities hit a 15-year high in 2021. Worse yet, it was the biggest one-year rise in total highway deaths in our nation’s history.

With the roads becoming less safe, it is crucial that drivers take additional precautions to protect themselves and their families. At‌ ‌Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, we are strong advocates for highway safety and the rights of injured victims. In this article, our Spokane auto accident attorney highlights five tips to avoid being involved in a traffic collision in Eastern Washington.

 1. Obey the Speed the Limit

Speed limits exist for good reason—though 95 percent of drivers admit that they sometimes go faster than the speed limit. More alarmingly, 20 percent of drivers admit to being chronic speeders who regularly travel more than 15 MPH beyond the speed limit. By slowing down, you can dramatically reduce risk of being injured in a car crash in Spokane.

 2. Rest Up—Drowsy Driving is Dangerous

Many people do not appreciate the importance of proper rest. An overly tired driver is a potentially dangerous driver. In fact, drowsy driving has the potential to be as risky as intoxicated driving. Protect yourself and your family by making sure that you get enough rest every time you get behind the wheel.

3. Practice Defensive Driving

All motorists should practice defensive driving. Broadly speaking, defensive driving is the practice of anticipating a dangerous situation and taking proactive measures to avoid that risk. It includes everything from slowing down, to leaving more space, to navigate away from another vehicle that is being driven in an erratic manner.

4. Beware of Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions increase the risk of accidents. While the majority of motor vehicle collisions are caused primarily by driver error, poor road conditions—such as bad weather, poor visibility at night, or highway defects—can make an accident more likely to occur. If it is not safe enough to drive, stay off of the road.

5. Avoid Texting and Driving 

The NHTSA cites distracted driving as one of the primary safety threats on our roadways. Texting and driving is one of the most common (and most risky) forms of distracted driving. By avoiding texting and driving, you can reduce your chances of ending up in a serious car accident. Other highway distractions should be avoided as well. Keep your focus on the road.

Set Up a Free Case Review With an Auto Accident Lawyer in Spokane

At‌ ‌Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, our Spokane car accident attorney is an aggressive, justice-focused advocate for victims. If you were hurt in a crash, we are here to help you get justice and compensation. Give us a call now or contact us online now to schedule your no cost, no commitment initial appointment with an attorney. We handle car accident injury claims throughout Spokane County, including in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Opportunity, Cheney, Liberty, Veradale, Airway Heights, and Trentwood.