15 Great Safety Tips When You’re Behind the Wheel
When you’re behind the wheel, it’s crucial that you’re safe. At the Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo, we’ve represented a fair share of car accident victims. We’ve come up with a list of some important safety tips. These suggestions may hopefully decrease the extent of your personal injuries. Keep this list in mind whenever you head out in your vehicle.
- Wear your seatbelts – Just about everyone knows New Jersey seatbelt laws. The driver and all passengers are required to wear seatbelts. Of course, children are expected to be in child restraint systems.
- Use child restraint systems – Children under the age of 8 years old and a height of 57 inches are expected to ride in the rear seat of the vehicle. There are different expectations as far as car seats. You can read the specifics here, which also includes information concerning booster seats.
- Use hands-free devices – Whether you use your telephone to talk or find directions, the law requires that you use it remotely. The same holds true for texting and driving. Obviously, it’s a distraction to do otherwise.
- Do a quick safety check – Make sure your lights and turn signals are all operational. Pay attention to squeaky noises that indicate your brakes need work. Make sure you have windshield washer fluid and that your wipers are in good order.
- Make sure you have fuel – Before you leave for your destination, check to make sure you have enough gas. What about other fluids? Water? Antifreeze?
- Don’t Drive Drowsy or Distracted – Inadequate sleep can cause accidents. Distracted driving is not solely related to cellphone usage. Resist the temptation to read the newspaper or put on makeup while behind the wheel.
- Don’t Drive if You Think You’re Just “Buzzed” – You might think that you’re okay. And, that buzzed driving makes it acceptable to get behind the wheel. It does not. Of course, you should also not drive if are intoxicated from any substance.
- Use Caution When Changing Lanes – Make sure to use turn signals and check blind spots.
- Look out for Wildlife – Domestic animals may dart into city traffic. Deer have been known to unexpectedly cross roadways as well.
- Watch Your Speed – You’ve heard the expression “Speed Kills”? It can. The posted signs aren’t there just for ticketing purposes. They are intended to make the roadway safe.
- Obey Traffic Signals and Signs – Don’t go zooming past lights or stop signs even if you think you can make it past them.
- Drive Appropriate to Weather Conditions – Whether the road is slick from rain or snow, drive according to the weather conditions.
- Keep a Safe Distance – Even if you are driving safely, there is no way of knowing when the traffic will stop quickly. Keep a safe distance.
- Be Alert – Keep your eyes open to see what is going on ahead of you, besides you and behind you.
- Be in Control – Do your best to be in control of your vehicle.
Contact Us
At the Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo, we understand the plight of personal injury victims. We suggest following the forgoing safety tips to lessen your damages. Contact us to schedule an appointment if you have been injured in an accident.
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Dan T. Matrafajlo, Esq. is the Managing Member and Lead Partner at Beninato & Matrafajlo, Attorneys at Law, LLC, a New Jersey-based personal injury law firm with offices in Elizabeth and East Brunswick. With over two decades of experience representing clients in complex matters—including motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death cases—he has recovered over $100 million on behalf of his clients and is known for securing significant results. He has also helped shape New Jersey personal injury law through notable Appellate Division decisions such as Hardison v. King and Frenklakh v. Lojek, with his litigation work featured in the New Jersey Law Journal, underscoring his authority in the field.
Mr. Matrafajlo was recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Stars honoree from 2012 to 2017 and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for attorneys who have achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Combining deep legal expertise with a client-focused approach, he provides strategic, results-driven representation while guiding clients through every stage of the legal process. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
