Now that the certain parts of the country are slowly opening back up, it’s a good time to refresh your memory on basic safe driving tips. Nevada casinos got the okay to open as of last Thursday, June 4th. MGM Resorts are re-opening four of their properties. Caesars, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Station Casinos, Boyd Gaming, The Strat, The Cosmopolitan, and Sahara Las Vegas are now beginning to open as well. Hotels and restaurants are opening, but will look a little different. Many restaurants are offering curbside pick up or take out only. Buffets are a thing of the past. And dine-in restaurants require reservations. Hotels now have strict cleaning protocols, honoring guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the Southern Nevada Health District.
With Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada reopening, there will be more cars on the road. If you were practicing self-quarantine these last few months, chances are you didn’t get out to drive much. We break down the top safe driving tips to keep you safe as you return to the road.
Safe Driving 101
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Safe Driving Tips for Before Driving
- Safety checks. Inspect your car’s headlights, turn signals, and tire pressure on a regular basis. Double check that your car doesn’t have any unusual leaks. Routine car safety checks will make your car last longer and keep you safer driving in it.
- Make adjustments before driving. Adjust the left and right mirrors and the rearview mirror so you can properly see. Double check that your seat is adjusted to the correct position for your safety. Adjust your climate controls. Enter your destination into the GPS all before you start to drive.
- Secure any and all cargo that might jostle when driving.
- Fasten and adjust your seatbelt before turning on the engine.
Safe Driving Tips While Driving
- Focus. Distracted driving is one of the number one causes of accidents. Keep all your attention on the road. Do not text or mess with the GPS unless you are parked.
- Defensive driving. Along with keeping 100% focus on the road, pay attention to other drivers. Always be prepared for the unexpected. You can do this by keeping a safe distance between you and the motor vehicle ahead of you. Keep about three to four seconds of stopping time in between you and the other car. Don’t assume you know what another driver is going to do.
- Obey all posted signs. Speed limits change from street to street, neighborhood to neighborhood.
- Always use turn signals. Even if you think there is no one behind you, but you’re switching lanes or turning onto a street, use your blinker.
- Follow traffic signals. Pay attention to traffic lights. If a signal is out of order, treat the intersection like a four-way stop.
- Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They can impair your judgment and lead to accidents.
- Give yourself plenty of time. Try to leave at least 10 minutes earlier than you think you need to. This will help you avoid speeding or feeling anxious about getting to your destination in time.
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Other Safety Tips for Driving
- Take extra precaution during bad weather. Drive slower, pay attention, increase the gap between you and the car ahead of you. Turn on your headlights.
- Tired? Don’t drive. If you find yourself feeling drowsy, immediately pull over to the side of the road to rest. Make sure to get enough sleep before driving.
- Have an emergency kit. Make sure your car emergency kit has jumper cables, a phone charger, flares and drinking water.
- Stay out of the “No-Zone.” Large trucks and buses cannot see you from many points. If you can’t see the driver in their rearview mirror then they can’t see you.
- Keep your windshield clean. A dirty windshield can cause a glare from the sun or headlights.
- Use your high beams. If you are driving on open roads or rural areas, use your high beams. When you see another car approach, dim your high beams until they pass.
- Make a driving plan. For long drives especially, a safe driving plan can help you stay safe while you’re behind the wheel. Build time into your schedule to stop for food, restroom breaks, phone calls, or just to stretch your legs.
- Take breaks. If you’re on a long drive, take regular breaks to stretch and refresh.
- Look ahead. Don’t just focus on the car in front of you. Looking far ahead can let you know if you need to slow down or not.
- Don’t tailgate. Maintain distance between you and the car in front of you.
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Parking Lot Driving Safety
Another place that will be more crowded in the coming weeks and months– parking lots. Here are some reminders on how to drive safely in parking lots.
- Slow down. Often time parking lots have posted speed signs like 10 or 15 mph. Either way, slow down when driving through a parking lot.
- Obey all signs. There might be more traffic signs in a parking lot, like one way lanes. Stay alert and follow traffic signs.
- Back out with caution. This is one of the more common types of fender benders. If you’re backing out of a parking space, watch out for pedestrians and other drivers.
- Park only in the spaces meant for you. If you are not disabled yourself, leave the parking spaces for the disabled open.
- Try not to open the door too wide and bump the car next to you.
- Park within the lines and make sure that you’re only taking up one parking space.
- Remember to still use turn signals even though you’re driving slowly in a parking lot.
- Pedestrians have the right of way. Let pedestrians cross in front of you.
- Be aware of drop-off zones. There might be more drop-off or pick-up only zones with COVID-19. Make sure you’re not inconveniencing anyone by parking in these spaces.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. A professional personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights. Our car accident lawyers are experienced at handling all types of car accidents, including accidents with large trucks or SUVs, accidents involving motorcyclists and bicyclists, and accidents where there was a driver who was driving under the influence/with an elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
If you are looking for a law firm with experienced car accident attorneys, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today. Not only do we have extensive car accident case experience, we are up to date on current legal challenges. This includes the latest events surrounding COVID-19. We will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. While it’s okay to look up information on the Internet, or to get advice from well-meaning friends, when it comes to receiving the compensation you should get as an accident victim, you need a lawyer who can fight for you. Our phone number is (702) 857-6000. We offer Free Consultations. Our law office is located in Henderson, but we work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley.
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