Driving is often a stressful experience. There are many factors that can cause your drive to be unpleasant or even downright scary.
Distracted, drunk or aggressive drivers usually make the road conditions terrible for everyone. Bad weather or road construction also often slow drivers down and result in traffic jams.
After traffic jams clear up, many drivers start speeding to make up for lost time, continuing to make the roads unsafe for drivers and increasing the chance of a serious or deadly car accident.
You have probably been in this type of situation more than once. Perhaps you have wondered how safe Oklahoma roads are, especially compared to other states.
Study shows Oklahoma roads are some of the safest in the country
It might surprise you to know that Oklahoma has been ranked as one of the best states to drive in.
Oklahoma came in fourth place in an overall ranking of the best states for driving, with Iowa, Georgia and Kansas being in the top three.
The study that determined these rankings examined several different factors including average gas prices, road conditions and traffic congestion on the roads. Other considerations included the cost of owning and maintaining a car and access to vehicle maintenance facilities.
Despite these positive statistics, motor vehicle accidents can still happen on Oklahoma roads and you should do your best to be prepared and stay safe while driving.
Tips for staying safe on the roads
Always make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Have regular maintenance checks done and avoid driving if your vehicle is not working properly, especially on busier roads or highways.
Use the safest available route. You probably know the roads and highways that are likely to be the busiest, so using back roads or an alternate route can make for a safer drive.
This is not always practical, since sometimes the busiest route is the fastest. When you find yourself stuck in traffic, give other drivers plenty of space. Do not tailgate. This increases your reaction time and reduces the chance of colliding with the vehicle in front of you if you must come to a sudden stop or are rear-ended by the vehicle behind you.
Stay in the middle lane on a three-lane road. This is usually the safest lane. The left lane is usually filled with the fastest drivers while the right lane contains drivers entering or exiting the highway.
Give yourself extra time if you know you will likely face heavy traffic or if you must be somewhere at a certain time. Avoid aggressive driving if you fall behind schedule. Remember that getting to your destination safely is your goal.
A car accident can change your life forever
The aftermath of a car accident can be difficult. While you try to heal from your injuries, you may face mounting medical bills and miss work or even lose your job.
The impact of a car accident is not always just physical. Accident victims often experience severe mental and emotional injuries after the accident that require ongoing counseling and therapy.
Compensation for these and other costs through a personal injury action can help you start to rebuild your life after an accident.