Not everyone has good driving habits in Texas. Drivers can be distracted, rude, or simply inexperienced. Poor driving habits can increase your chances or causing an accident or being injured by a driver who lacks good driving habits.
If you’ve driven in Houston for any length of time, you understand these:
- If you’re driving on the freeway and it starts to rain, change lanes
- Houston is just an hour away from Houston
- Rush hour in Houston is from 5 am to 12 midnight daily, including weekends
- The only thing faster than cars in Houston traffic is the road construction
Some days, it’s all you can do to laugh at Houston traffic. But in all seriousness, Houston and Texas have experienced exponential growth in the last several years, leading to a larger number of drivers. This also increases the chance of having an accident.
Developing and maintaining good driving habits can help keep you and your passengers safe and avoid potential accidents.
Good Driving Habits For Texans
No matter where you live in Bayou City, inside 610 or outside of Beltway 8, your driving habits can make all the difference. Here are some to practice regularly:
- Keep your vehicle properly maintained to keep it in good working condition and avoid stopping unexpectedly
- Before you start the ignition, put on your seatbelt in accordance with Texas law.
- Avoid any distractions, including your cell phone
- Follow all traffic rules and signals, including lights, signs, and speed limits
- Allow a safe distance in front of you to avoid following too close and allow for sudden stopping
- Yield to pedestrians, and do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk
- Stay alert, and do not drive while tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Don’t drive aggressively. Engaging in road rage or other dangerous behaviors
We can’t guarantee that you’ll never have an accident, but good driving habits can help you avoid one.
Winter Driving In Texas
The weather may warm up, but winter isn’t over yet. Memes are also plentiful about Texas’ unpreparedness for strong winter weather like the recent winter freeze in North Texas. Houston does have occasional severe winter weather like the freeze in February of 2021.
It’s best not to drive in winter weather conditions. If you must go out in severe weather, take extra caution by:
- Slow down when driving in wet or wintry weather; speed limits are intended for normal conditions
- Keep abreast of weather conditions prior to going out. Avoid traveling when snow, sleet, freezing rain, or icy conditions are predicted.
- When following another driver and driving on snow or ice, increase your distance behind another vehicle by three to allow additional room for stops and other maneuvers
- Bridges, overpasses, ramps, and shaded areas, tend to freeze first, so use extra caution
- Turn off the cruise control to avoid sliding
- Ensure that your vehicle’s fuel tank is full, especially if frigid temperatures are predicted
Additional driving tips are available from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Transportation, and Drive Safe Texas.
Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accidents can be devastating, complicated, and expensive. You shouldn’t have to handle everything yourself and risk financial ruin. Get help from someone who understands Houston car accidents and how they’re handled.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact Paxton Law Firm today by calling (281) 978-2244 or filling out our online contact form. During your free consultation, you can learn more about your legal options.
