Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Car accidents in Hollywood and South Florida happen for many reasons, including drunk driving, mechanical failure, and other problems. One common reason for car accidents involves poor visibility. When drivers can’t see what’s in front of them, they can’t react in time to avoid a crash.
Visibility on the road is affected by many things, including the weather, signage, street lights, car design, and other factors. However, there are many things you can do as a motorist to keep your visibility high to reduce your risk of collisions:
1) Check your wiper blades regularly.
If you notice any signs of wear or any stiffness or cracks, get them replaced. If you notice your wipers aren’t cleaning your windshields as efficiently as they should, replace them. Over time, your blades will deteriorate and you can’t see out of a dirty windshield.
2) Top up your windshield wiper fluid.
You want enough fluid so you can get rid of streaks, mud, insects and other dirt on your windshields.
3) Clean your headlights.
If they become scratched or dirty, they will not be as bright and you may not see as clearly during nighttime driving conditions.
4) Take care of your eyes.
No matter how clean your car is, you won’t be able to see if there’s an issue with your eyes. Always visit your eye doctor once a year—more often if you notice your vision getting worse. If you have prescription glasses, wear them and keep your prescription current. Stow an extra pair of sunglasses in the car and wear them on sunny days when a strong glare may keep you from seeing clearly.
5) Report visibility problems on the road.
Do you notice tree branches hanging over a traffic sign? Are the crosswalk lines on a street so faded you can’t see them? Is a street so poorly lit you have a hard time driving safely? Report these issues so the municipality can fix them.
6) Don’t drive with non-functioning headlights.
As soon as one of your headlights stops working, visit your mechanic. You need to be able to see in low-light and poor-weather conditions and your headlights provide you with the light you need to drive safely.
7) Keep your eyes focused when you drive.
Use your mirrors when you drive and turn on your headlights manually if you need the extra light for some reason. If you’re driving at night, use the anti-dazzle feature on your rear-view mirror if you have one and consider turning down the lights on your dashboard if they create a glare on your windshield.
8) Adjust your mirrors often.
Make sure they are positioned to give you the best view possible of the road alongside your car and behind your vehicle.
9) Check your blind spots.
Even with mirrors, you will have some blind spots. Physically move your head to check your blind spots when you need to see.
If you have been injured by a reckless or dangerous driver, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free case review to find out whether you have a claim.