Everyone knows that driving safely is the best way to reduce your chances of suffering serious injury in a car accident. However, during a global pandemic, driving safely is even more important. Hospitals and emergency rooms in the Miami-Dade area are already crowded. Medical professionals are working around the clock helping Coronavirus patients. As the Southern Florida medical system becomes overwhelmed, medical resources are running out.
What does this have to do with driving safely? Well imagine what would happen if you got into a car accident right now. Are there enough ambulances to get to your crash site? How long would you have to wait in the emergency room for treatment? What if you needed surgery? Are there enough ventilators and supplies? As you can see, getting into a car accident during a global pandemic could be fatal.
All Miami drivers must do their part to keep themselves and others safe from serious car accidents during this time. Taking steps to prevent serious injury during the Coronavirus outbreak is critical. But what can you do and how can you drive safely during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Before you get into your car, it is important to take a little extra time to prepare. Government officials and safety experts in Florida agree that drivers should limit their driving as much as possible right now. That means avoiding all non-essential trips. What is an essential trip? Going to the grocery store is widely considered an essential trip. Traveling to a vacation home is not.
If you must go out, you should reduce the distance you drive. Choose local grocery stores and medical centers at all times. This will not only reduce your risk of getting into a serious car accident, but it will also reduce your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. The longer distance you drive right now, the more you must stop for gas, bathroom breaks and food. This increases your chances of picking up the deadly virus.
Before driving, be sure you have emergency items in your car. This should include a flashlight, first-aid kit, road flares, cell phone charger and water. Check your car carefully to make sure it is running smoothly and the tires are not worn.
Once you are in the car, the basic safety rules apply. However, now it is even more important than ever to follow them. Whenever you are driving, be sure you follow these steps closely:
Even though the roads may not be as crowded as they once were, be extra cautious when driving. Do not let down your guard. Look for motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists. There are likely more on the road than ever before as people stay home during the pandemic. When driving in neighborhoods, go extra slowly. Children are home from school and playing outside more. Be vigilant and observant at all times behind the wheel.
In bad weather, give yourself more time to get to your destination and slow down. Speeding in bad weather is a major cause of serious car accidents. Do not follow closely behind other vehicles, especially large trucks. There are more large commercial trucks on the road than ever before delivering valuable medical supplies and goods. They have huge blind spots that can prevent them from seeing you on the road. Give them extra space and do not tailgate.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, it is also a good idea to bring along a face mask when traveling to essential outings. It is also a good idea to carry hand wipes if you have them. This can help you wipe down surfaces at your destination, such as grocery carts and door knobs. This will reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 from surfaces.
Studies have shown that fuel pumps carry up to 11,835 times the germs of the average toilet seat. When you must fuel up your vehicle, wear gloves when touching fuel pumps and keypads. If you do not have gloves, use hand wipes to sanitize your hands and avoid touching your face, mouth or eyes. It is best to use contactless methods of payment during the outbreak to avoid touching credit card machines and keypads.
When you get back from running errands or driving, disinfect your car’s high touch surfaces frequently. This includes the steering wheel, door handles, radio display and shift. It may also include the heater or air conditioner controls, seatbelt and other compartments in the car.
The CDC guidelines recommend that all drivers clean their cars with car soap to remove top dirt and oil before using sanitation products. Attempting to disinfect without removing dirt and grime dilutes the effectiveness of even the best disinfectant.
The Coronavirus pandemic is unlike anything we have lived through. During these uncertain times, you may become injured in an accident through no fault of your own. When this occurs, you need a lawyer on your side to fight for you.
The Dante Law Firm is dedicated to helping injured accident survivors obtain justice. We offer remote services during the Coronavirus outbreak to help answer your questions and review your legal options. We believe in justice for all. That is why we offer free consultations and reviews from the start.
Best of all, we don’t get paid until you do.
(954) 365-0000