Atlanta Personal Injury Law Blog

Some people enjoy driving in the city, while others avoid it like the plague. Regardless of which group you fit into, it's imperative to take extreme caution when driving in close proximity to so many other vehicles.

Here are three top safety tips to follow when driving in the city:

• Pick a lane and stay there: Changing lanes frequently sounds like the best way to reach your destination in a hurry, but it doesn't do much to save you time. Furthermore, it greatly increases the risk of an accident with another vehicle.
• Watch for pedestrians: Busy cities, such as Atlanta, are full of both motor vehicles and pedestrians. As you approach an intersection, for example, scan the area for any pedestrians on the roadway or about to enter from the sidewalk.
• Follow the rules of the road: From stop signs to traffic signals, you need to obey the rules of the road at all times. It only takes one mistake to cause an accident that harms another person. For example, don't take your eyes off the road ahead, as doing so could cause you to coast through a red light.

When you or a loved one visit a Georgia doctor because you are experiencing symptoms of ill-health, you can logically assume that he or she will hopefully be able to diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment to promote healing. In some cases, the recommendation might include surgery. Upon learning that you or an immediate family member needs surgery, you might feel a bit worried or anxious, which is natural.

You might want to inquire how many similar surgeries your prospective surgeon has performed because going under the knife of a highly experienced surgeon may help reduce your anxiety. Even experienced surgeons can make mistakes. While you don't want to exhaust all your energy focusing on the worst that could happen, it is wise to be aware of potential risks. Sadly, there are three common types of surgical errors that cause injury to thousands of patients in this state and across the country every year.

As a driver, you may have concerns about being involved in a rear-end collision. Fortunately, there are personal safety tips you can follow to avoid trouble.

Here are three of the best things you can do to avoid a rear-end collision:

• Leave more space: It doesn't matter if you're on the highway driving 70 miles per hour or in stop and go city traffic, leave a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Keep an eye on your surroundings: This gives you the opportunity to pinpoint dangerous situations and drivers, such as someone who is texting or talking on the phone.
• Be predictable at all times: The more signals you can provide other drivers the better off you'll be. For example, always use your turn signals, as this gives the person behind you time to slow down. Also, slow down gradually as you reach a stop sign or traffic signal.

Many motor vehicle accidents happen at intersections, often because one driver neglects to stop at a traffic signal or stop sign. Since these areas are among the most dangerous on the road, you need to take special caution.

Here are several tips you can follow to improve your safety when driving through an intersection:

• Scan the intersection: As you approach an intersection, scan the area around you to see what others are doing. For example, if you have a green light and realize that a driver with a red light isn't going to stop, you need to slow your vehicle.
• Watch for pedestrians: Intersections are often the scene of car-pedestrian accidents as well. When you yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, you lessen the likelihood of an accident.
• Slow down: Even if you have the right of way, slow down to give yourself more time to scan the intersection. The faster you're driving the less time you have to stop in the event of an emergency.
• Beware of large vehicles: For instance, a vehicle may be hiding behind a commercial truck or bus, making it impossible to see. Take extra caution when you're in close proximity to larger vehicles.