Defensive Race Car Driver

Hello Folks, Attorney Paul Samakow here.

Today’s blog is focused on defensive driving tactics and how you can avoid auto collisions completely.

Why are we talking about this you ask?

Because I would rather you NEVER need me as your personal injury attorney in the first place.

Now I’m sure you’re a great person to work with and I know I’d enjoy getting to know you.

But I also know how devastating auto collisions can be, and I hope you never need me to help you put the pieces of your life back together after a serious injury on the road.

So, let’s talk about auto collisions and more importantly, how to avoid them.

In any given year, 30,000 people are killed across our nation’s roadways.  And while not all accidents are preventable, many can be avoided completely by slowing down and driving defensively.

What does it mean to drive defensively you ask?

Well, it’s a lot more fun than it sounds.  In fact, when I think of a defensive driver, I envision a race car driver.

Now hear me out.

I’m not talking rate of speed.  Remember… SLOW DOWN is the first rule of avoiding accidents.

Speeding rarely gets you where you’re going more than a minute or two faster than you would have arrived having gone the speed limit. Plus, you spend your entire ride on edge…stressed out, stressing out the drivers around you and giving yourself far less reaction time if something unexpectedly happens on the road in front of you.

Have you ever seen someone in such a hurry that they dart through traffic, cut you off, make people slam on their brakes so they can zoom through…only to pull up next to them at the next red light?

Right.  What was the point of their speeding?

Slow down.  Put on your favorite song and enjoy your ride.

Now back to my race car analogy…

Race car drivers are GREAT at driving defensively.

What makes a race car driver great at defensive driving?

Their focus and attention are ALWAYS 100% on the road in front of them, on their car, and on the cars around them on the track.   A race car driver never checks their phone.  They never have a conversation with the person in the back seat.  They never try to eat a Big Mac while switching lanes.  A race car driver is in the driver’s seat and their only goal until they reach their destination is to drive.

Having your eyes on the road and your mind on your surroundings and destination means you are far less likely to be surprised by another driver’s erratic behavior or because of an obstacle on the road that may seem to appear out of nowhere to a distracted driver.

So yes, to drive defensively, I am suggesting you drive like a race car driver.  A VERY SLOW race car driver.

Lastly, if you or someone you love is ever involved in an auto collision, I am here for you.  Please call my office immediately 703-854-9288 or 301-298-8383.

Until next time,

Please be safe, and NEVER text while driving!

Paul Samakow

Attorney Paul Samakow