Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
It seems like the dog days of summer have barely passed but already the days are getting shorter. Soon it will be time to turn the clocks back. In a 2001 study, the National Center for Biotechnology Information documented an increase in car accidents whenever we change the clocks. This could be due to a variety of different factors, but the reality is that the sudden change in available daylight can result in serious accidents.
The personal injury attorneys at Slappey & Sadd have been helping injured Georgians since 1992. We have the knowledge and experience you need to get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact us at 888-474-9616 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.
Tips for Drivers
For many drivers, turning the clocks back means two things: (1) you’re driving into the sun on your way to work and (2) you’re driving home in the dark. Here are some suggestions to help reduce your chances of getting into an accident:
- Increase your stopping distance. It can be extremely difficult to see the cars in front of you if you are driving into the sun. increase the distance between you and the car in front of you so that you have plenty of time to stop and avoid a rear-end collision.
- Get plenty of sleep. While turning the clock back means an extra hour of sleep on Sunday, be mindful of the fact that your body needs to adjust to the time change. You may find yourself feeling sleepy in the evening when you’re driving home if it’s already dark. Extra sleep can ensure that you are fully awake and paying attention.
- Minimize distractions. While you may have gotten enough sleep, other drivers may be drowsy. Watch out for inattentive drivers, especially truck drivers. Minimizing any possible distractions to make sure that you are giving your full attention to the road.
While you can’t totally eliminate the risks, simply being aware of the dangers inherent in the time shift can help reduce your chances of an accident. That said, increased vigilance could mean the difference between getting home safe and going to the hospital.
Tips for Pedestrians & Cyclists
If you enjoy running, walking, or biking, daylight savings poses some additional dangers for you. While you may enjoy some extra sunlight in the morning for a few days, your after-work jog may now be in the dark. You can reduce your risk of getting hit by a car in the following ways:
- Make yourself visible. There are a multitude of inexpensive products that you can use to increase your visibility, such as lights and reflective clothing. Try to make yourself as visible as possible from all angles.
- Take out the earbuds. Cars can’t see you, and you may not see the car until it’s too late. In the dark, you can often hear cars before you can see them. Leave the headphones at home and give yourself some additional reaction time.
- Stay on Safe Roads. Be mindful of where you are walking or running. Is the street well lit? Are there sidewalks? Is there heavy traffic? Reduce your chances of an accident by choosing routes that minimize your chances of getting hit by a car.
Injured? Contact the Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers at Slappey & Sadd
Despite your best efforts, someone else’s negligence can cause an accident. If you’ve been injured, you need someone on your side to help you get the compensation you deserve. The personal injury lawyers at Slappey & Sadd know how to get results – call us at 888-474-9616 or visit us online to schedule a free consultation today.