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"With the average driver covering more than 12,000 miles annually and spending an average of 18 hours 31 minutes in the car weekly (WSJ 9-24-12), technology through smart apps can assist drivers in making smart choices when driving.  These "smart" choices could prevent auto accidents and injuries and save lives", says Randall Spivey, Personal Injury Attorney in Ft. Myers, FL.

According to The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 24, 2012) "Danger, Traffic Up the Road! Take Evasive Action", consumer-friendly smart phone apps are now available to track a driver's location through the smart phone's GPS device while at the same time providing a map of the traffic data for that location.  Companies are also working on apps that will offer dynamic routing.  Dynamic routing will plot alternate routes when traffic jams are present in addition to tracking safety data from the car's onboard safety systems and notifying drivers of potentially dangerous situations like wet roads and ice.

Mr. Spivey of Spivey Law Firm P.A., Personal Injury Attorneys also recommends, "Reviewing the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles "Defensive Driving Tips" as there is no substitute for defensive driving toa void car crashes.  We are pleased to list them here for drivers' convenience." 

Rule #1: The 2-Second Rule

Give yourself time to respond. You never know when the car in front of you is going to slam on their brakes for an animal crossing the road or some other reason. You can avoid accidents by driving a safe distance behind vehicles using the 2-second rule. Here's how to check yourself:

• Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed point (sign or tree)
• Count 1001 and 1002 (2 seconds)
• If you reach the mark before you say 1002 you're tailgating - back off!

Rule #2: How to Spot a Bad Driver

There are so many drivers out there distracted by cell phones, passengers or other reasons. You need to be constantly on the alert for bad drivers. Here's how to spot a bad driver and make sure you get away from them immediately!

• Tailgaters
• Signals inconsistently
• Abrupt turns and Swerving
• Speeding

Rule #3: Don't Drink and Drive

It only takes one drink to impair your brain. It's not worth it. Zero tolerance is the only way to go - never drink and drive and here's why:

• A DUI will stay on your record for 75 years
• License suspension
• Costs you at least $8,000
• Car insurance sky rockets for your whole family

Rule #4: Don't be an Aggressive Driver

One of the worst drivers is an aggressive driver - it's time to take a hard look at yourself. Tests have shown that aggressive drivers cause accidents rather than prevent them. Ask yourself if you do any of the following, and if you do, make an effort to change for the positive. You can only change yourself, not others.

• Do you yell at people while driving
• Do you speed up to stop drivers from "cutting in"
• Do you tailgate (follow closer than two seconds)
• Do you accelerate when the light's yellow

Rule #5: Avoid Head-On Collisions

When driving, you need to constantly be aware of your surroundings. Head-on collisions are the most dangerous crashes. Here's how to avoid one:

• Always be on the lookout for dangerous situations
• Look for cars backing out of parking spots or driveways
• In bad weather, slow down, turn on wipers and lights
• Keep an eye out for bad drivers

Rule #6: Stay Focused

Lastly, the number one thing you can do as a driver is to stay focused and rid yourself of bad habits now and forever. Develop good habits, stick with them and you'll avoid accidents. Bad habits make you dangerous to yourself and others on the road. Here's what NOT to do while driving (pull over and stop before doing any of these):

• Eat and drink
• Adjust music
• Use a cell phone
• Turn your head to talk to others in the car

If you or a loved one has been injured in a auto crash or motorcycle crash, please contact us today to discuss your legal rights.  Our focus is you and your family's well-being. 

Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,500 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.