How to Avoid Car Accidents in New Port Richey, Especially During Festivals

Florida is one of the few states in America with a subtropical climate earning itself the nickname “Sunshine City.” Its excellent weather is the reason this state attracts tourists all year round and thus a perfect host for many festivals.

Unfortunately, tourists, festivals, and road crashes go hand in hand, with new port Richey recording some high numbers. According to statistics, New Port Richey records fatalities that can be up to 150% higher than the state average.

Avoiding Accidents During Festivals in New Port Richey

While festivities go hand in hand with car accidents, it doesn’t mean you have to get involved in a crash every time you try to get from point A to B. However, you must be intentional in your efforts to ensure that you stay safe while on the road.

Below are tips for avoiding a car accident during festivities.

1.    Be on the Lookout for Drunk Drivers

Most festivities involve drinking. Unfortunately, alcohol, no matter the quantity consumed, can cloud judgment, impair vision, lower the ability to concentrate and alter coordination.

Therefore, if you are in New Port Richey for the festivities, it would be best you avoid getting behind the wheel after having drinks, even when you could be well below the legal limit.

Even when you are completely sober, you will likely encounter drunk drivers when driving in New Port Richey. So, you may want to look out for drunk drivers. Signs to look out for include drifting in and out of the lane, erratic acceleration and deceleration, driving too slow for the posted speed limit, or apparent signs of intoxication.

2.    Avoid Driving During the Night

Driving gets significantly more dangerous after dark for several reasons. First, the roads may be relatively open. To some drivers, an open road is an invitation to speed. Speed combined with limited visibility is a recipe for disaster. Also, you are more likely to encounter intoxicated drivers at night.

Even with other drivers out of the equation, your vision can be highly compromised when driving at night due to personal eye problems or glaring lights from approaching vehicles. Unless it is necessary, it is best to avoid driving at night.

3.    Wear Your Seatbelt at All Times

Florida laws require the driver and the front seating passenger to wear a seatbelt unless they have a medical condition that doesn’t allow them to. Driving without wearing a seatbelt can earn you a ticket if caught.

Laws aside, driving in a city with alarming car accident statistics like New Port Richey, you will need to wear a seat belt. According to the NHTSA, wearing a seat belt can significantly reduce your chances of dying in an accident.

4.    Avoid Distracted Driver

Like drunk drivers, distracted driving is among the leading causes of accidents. Distracted driving refers to operating a vehicle when the eyes or mind are on something other than the road.

The most common type of distraction is using a cellphone to text, read a text message, or make a call on the road. Other distractions can include changing channels on the car stereo, eating, smoking, drinking, and getting lost in thought.

Indicators of a distracted driver include drifting in and out of lane, moving too slow, erratic braking, etc.

When the Inevitable Happens, You May Need a Lawyer

If you carefully look out for the hazards highlighted above, you can reduce your chances of being in an accident by a significant margin. But no level of caution can eliminate the chances of getting into an accident.

If you are injured in a New Port Rickey road accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be eligible for compensation. Getting a fair outcome for your injury claim requires working with a team of personal injury lawyers and, preferably, a local team with expertise in car accident lawsuits.

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