Knoxville Driving Tips

Tough representation for car accident victims in East Tennessee

The best way not to be involved in an accident in Knoxville is to avoid the accident altogether. Driving defensively can save lives. Refraining from driving carelessly saves lives too. Every driver knows they need to follow the Tennessee driving laws. Every driver knows what precautions they should take. Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are preventable. Uber and Lyft accidents are preventable. At Banks & Jones, our Knoxville car accident lawyers hold drivers responsible for the injuries and fatalities they cause. We demand compensation for all your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage.

T.Scott Jones and his firm have been very professional and pleasant to work with. He is the best at what he does! Would highly recommend.

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How can we help?

What defensive driving suggestions do you have for Knoxville drivers?

Defensive Driving recommends the following tips to help you avoid car accidents even when there are dangerous drivers on the road.

  1. Be prepared. There are ALWAYS dangerous drivers on the road. Many accidents in Knoxville are caused by drunk drivers, distracted drivers, and drivers who speed. You can’t stop another driver from acting negligently but you can be ready. A car traveling at 60 mph is going 88 feet per second. That one second can mean the difference between a fatal accident and being able to swerve into another lane. That one second can mean the difference between catastrophic injuries that never heal and a less impactful accident that causes fewer serious injuries.

Readiness includes having both hands on the steering wheel, keeping your eyes on the road, thinking about traffic instead of the day’s events, and anticipating where you can move if an emergency arises. The use of your horn and braking quickly can save your life or avoid a trip to the hospital.

  1. Focus on your driving. This means put your cell phone or any other electronic device away. Leave that sandwich or cup of coffee for when you complete your trip. Take a rest stop if you’re feeling tired. Don’t turn your head to talk to your kids in the back seat or anyone else in the car. Don’t daydream. Don’t look around at an accident that just happened or spend time reading the billboard signs. The other people in your car can tell you about these things.
  2. Don’t multitask. Don’t apply makeup, comb your hair, constantly switch radio stations, or do anything other than focus on your driving while your car is in operation.
  3. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t just focus on the car, truck, or motorcycle right in front of you. Be aware of the vehicles behind you and in the lanes on both sides of you. Know where you can move if there’s an emergency. Be aware of whether you can stop on the shoulder of the road. Use your mirrors.
  4. Understand the risks that may arise and be prepared to address them. These risks will vary depending on the type of road you’re on, how heavy or light traffic is, whether it’s dark, the speed limit, and the weather conditions. For example, if you’re near a truck that has cargo that may not be secure, get away from that truck.
  5. Don’t drive too closely to other vehicles. You need to be able to be far enough back from the vehicles in front of you if those vehicles suddenly slow down or brake due to lane changes, construction work, or an animal that crosses their path. Defensive driving recommends that you use the “three-second rule” which “means that, based on your current speed, there should be at least three seconds of driving time between your vehicle and the vehicle that is in front of yours.” You’ll also want to avoid being too close to vehicles on your right or left – especially large vehicles or drivers who are driving too close to your lane. If a car behind you is tailgating, switch lanes or lightly tap your brakes to indicate they should pass you.
  6. Blind spots. Understand that the vehicle, commercial trucks especially, in front of you may have blind spots that prevent the driver from seeing you. Don’t assume the driver will use cameras or other methods to see through or around their blind spots. Try to get out of the way of that driver’s blind spots.

A few other defensive driving tips for Knoxville drivers include keeping away from drivers who appear drunk, tired, reckless, or aggressive. Never assume the other driver will do their best if an emergency arises. Avoid a driver who demonstrates road rage, whether they’re yelling, tailgating, honking, or doing anything that shows they’re upset. Try to let them pass or proceed instead of aggravating them – even if you’re in the right.

Don’t weave in and out of lanes. When you do change lanes, be sure to let the driver behind you know that you’re going to pass by using your turn signal or a hand signal.

What general driving suggestions do you have for Knoxville drivers?

If you’re a new driver or you just got your license back, consider taking a driver’s education course if you haven’t already done so. If you’re elderly and you’re having difficulty seeing or hearing, be sure to work with your doctors so you can continue to drive safely.

Motor Authority recommends the following driver tips for all drivers:

  • Adjust your seat, controls, and mirrors before you turn on the ignition.
  • Make sure you have your insurance card, driver’s license, and registration with you. Electronic identification may be available.
  • If you’re going to use a phone or electronic device, make sure they’re hands-free.
  • Use your turn signals.
  • Be aware if you have an SUV or tall vehicle, you might be blocking the views of other drivers.
  • “Don’t pump the brakes if your vehicle has anti-lock control. Or you’re missing the point.”
  • Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • Be alert to motorcycle riders and bicycle riders. Remember, they’re exposed to the elements while you’re in your comfortable car.
  • Change lanes one at a time – not all three at once.
  • Alternate cars when lanes are merging.
  • When you turn left, go into the left lane; when you turn right, go into the right lane.
  • Take rest breaks to stay refreshed and empty your bladder.
  • Keep pace with other drivers while respecting the speed limit.
  • Don’t use cruise control in bad weather.
  • Be sure you have the correct tires for the correct seasons.
  • Clear the fog from the windows.
  • Never drive without wiper blades.
  • Make sure your brakes, headlights, and taillights are in working order.
  • Plan your trip before you start driving, even if you have GPS. Motor Authority recommends using your Android or Apple by mounting it to the windshield, away from where you need to see. Motor Authority states that your phone is generally better than the car-bound GPS.
  • Don’t rely on cameras entirely when parking.
  • Leave a note if you ding someone’s door.
  • Park between the lines.
  • “Don’t use your car as a recycling bin.”

What should I do if there’s an accident?

Motor Authority recommends that if you are in an accident in Knoxville, you:

  • Call for medical help if you can. You should be examined at a local emergency room even if you’re feeling fine. When necessary, the police or others with you should arrange to take you to the nearest emergency room or burn center.
  • Cooperate with the police when they’re called. You’ll have to give them your driver’s license, insurance information, and registration card. They should normally investigate the accident without asking you to explain what happened.
  • Contact your insurance company. Only call your insurance company. Don’t speak with the insurance company for the driver that struck you because our attorneys can do that.
  • Take pictures of you and the car. These pictures should show you as you are so people can see the true extent of your injuries.

Do you have a Tennessee car accident lawyer near me?

At Banks & Jones, we meet car accident victims and families at our Knoxville office located at 2125 Middlebrook Pike. If you’re too ill or immobile to come to our office, we’ll meet you at more convenient locations. Phone and video consultations are also available.

We’ve been fighting for car accident victims for 30 years. We will Fight 2 Win you the strongest compensation result possible.

Get help now. Talk to our accomplished Knoxville car accident lawyers today

Even when you do everything possible to prevent a car accident, there’s a strong chance of being in a car crash. That’s because most drivers aren’t as careful as you. At Banks & Jones, our Knoxville car accident lawyers are skilled at showing why another driver caused your accident and injuries, or the death of a loved one. Please call us or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation to assert your right to compensation.

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