How Knowing the Braking Distances Can Prevent Car Accidents
Driving through Atlanta traffic can be tricky. With the congested roads at rush hour, the last thing you want to deal with is a rear-end collision. Maintaining a proper distance from the vehicle in front of you can lower your risk of a rear-end collision, but what is the right braking distance to help you prevent an accident?
Our team at Ross Moore Law is here to help you understand how proper braking distances can help your commute and get you home safely.
Read on to learn more.
What are Braking Distances?
Your braking distance is the amount of space you need to bring your moving car to a complete stop without colliding with the vehicle in front of you. Your total stopping distance also includes your reaction time to the brake lights ahead.
The faster you’re traveling, the greater braking distance you will need. Your braking distance can also differ with road conditions and weather. Drowsiness, distractions, and being under the influence can all greatly affect your braking distance.
The Importance of Knowing Braking Distances
Knowing your braking distance is important for your safety on the road. For every one mile per hour of speed you gain, it will take approximately one extra foot more to stop your vehicle. It’s also important to know the conditions of your brakes and tires, as that can have an effect on your braking distance.
Not knowing your braking distance or being unaware of your vehicle’s brake or tire condition, can put you and other drivers at risk of an accident.
Tips for Staying Safe on The Road
Take care of your brakes
Properly maintaining your brakes will keep you safe on the road and allow you to easily stop to avoid a collision. Don’t ignore the warning light on your car alerting you to give your brakes some TLC.
Check your tires
Making sure your tires are in good condition is just as important as your brakes. Healthy tires will provide greater traction on the road and can make a difference in your braking distance.
Avoid distractions
Always remember to put down the phone before you hit the road! Any distractions while driving, including rambunctious passengers, your cell phone, or even loud music can cause you to react to other vehicles slower than usual and increase your risk of a collision.
Follow the speed limit
The speed limit is marked for a reason. It’s determined by the road itself, the traffic, and the circumstances of the area and is set for your safety. Speeding will only increase your risk of an accident.
Wear a seatbelt
Your seatbelt is designed to keep you safe while driving, so make sure you and your passengers buckle up before you put your car in drive. Seatbelts lower your risk of injury if an accident occurs.
Know your braking distance
Remember your braking distance when traveling to help you maintain the right amount of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will help you lower your risk of an accident and keep you and your passengers safe, no matter the traffic situation.
How Technology Can Help
In this day and age, most new cars are outfitted with advanced safety features to help you feel safer on the road. Many new vehicles will come standard with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, and Blind Spot Warning.
The Forward Collision Warning will alert you if you are too close to an object in front of you and aren’t slowing your vehicle. This may automatically slow your vehicle, but it is not a reason to ignore your braking distance and let your car do the work.
Lane Departure Warning helps monitor your car’s position within its driving lane and lets you know if you begin to veer out of your lane. The Blind Spot Warning feature lets you know when there is a vehicle in your blind spot.
Lastly, the Rear Cross Traffic Warning provides an alert if there is a vehicle crossing behind you while you’re in reverse. This is helpful if a vehicle is approaching as you back up, since they won’t be caught on the back-up camera until they’re right behind you.
Contact Ross Moore Law Today!
Knowing your braking distance is a great safety tool to have in your back pocket. When it comes to rush hour, highly congested areas, or even stopping at a red light, it can help you avoid a rear-end collision.
If you were on the receiving end of a rear-end collision, Ross Moore Law’s experienced legal team is here to fight for you in court and handle everything from the insurance company. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Looking for a local personal injury attorney to handle your case? Our team at Ross Moore Law is eager to put our experience to work for you. Call us today or book a free consultation online!
Conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta, GA, we are proud to serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Athens, Alpharetta, Peachtree Corners, Marietta and more! In addition to Georgia clients, we welcome Tennessee clients as well! Get in touch today.
Attorney Ross Moore and our personal injury team handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
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