by Dallas Christian Injury Lawyer, Tim O’Hare
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Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, as children in many districts across Texas are out of school. May is also Seat Belt Safety Awareness Month, and law enforcement agencies across the country and across Texas are stepping up their efforts to make sure all drivers and passengers are wearing a seat belt.
The annual Click It or Ticket campaign aims at enforcing seat belt use to help keep travelers safe as they drive to their summer destinations.
In 2018, more than 2,623 people who were not wearing their seat belts were killed or seriously injured in a car crash in Texas. “Simply remembering to put on your seat belt increases your chances of surviving a crash by 45 to 60 percent,” says Terry Pence, TxDOT Traffic Safety Director. In 2017, seat belts saved nearly 15,000 lives across the country.
In Texas, if you are pulled over and found to be not wearing a seat belt, you could face fines and court costs up to $200. Why put yourself or your passengers in danger? Buckle up for every ride, whether you are on a country road or on the interstate, traveling cross country or just down the street.
Keep your family safe on the roads this summer. First and foremost, ensure every passenger, children and adults, are properly restrained. While you’re on the road, remember these summer driving safety tips from NHTSA:
- Stay alert. Stop along the way to stretch and get something to eat and drink. Change drivers if you’re feeling drowsy. Take time while you’re stopped to return any phone calls or texts so you won’t be tempted to drive distracted.
- Share the road. Warm weather means more motorcyclists and bicyclists are on the roads, as well. Remember they have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as every motorist, but are also more vulnerable. Leave more distance between you and a motorcycle.
- Be mindful of pedestrians. Stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk and keep your eye out for pedestrians anytime, anywhere. Do not assume pedestrians can see you and will act accordingly.
- Avoid risky driving behaviors. Put your phone down and keep your eyes on the road. Distracted driving includes looking at your phone, eating, drinking, talking with passengers and using in-vehicle technologies.
- Don’t drive impaired. Drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and alcohol can affect your safety as a driver. If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or call a friend or taxi for a ride.
- Obey traffic laws. Follow all traffic laws, including posted speed limits. Drive slower if needed based on weather or road conditions.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one as a result of a car accident, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free consultation with an award-winning Dallas car accident attorney.
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