Houston DUI Attorney: Seven Potentially Illegal Activities That You Should Avoid While Driving
1. Texting Or Talking On A Mobile Phone
When you hear an alert on your phone, it is only natural to want to check it right away. Despite the temptation, you should never use your phone while you are behind the wheel. Incidents of distracted driving as a result of mobile devices are on the rise. In fact, the problem is so bad that Washington recently introduced a new regulation known as driving under the influence of electronics (DUI-E) to try to stop drivers from partaking in this dangerous habit. To stay safe on the road and to avoid causing accidents, never use your phone when you are driving. A good rule of thumb is that you should switch your phone to airplane mode any time you get behind the wheel. The last thing that you want is to have to hire a DUI attorney in Houston after getting pulled over for distracted driving. Texting and driving have high risks of car accidents especially if you are driving under the influence.
2. Wearing Headphones While Driving
When you are driving, it is extremely important to be able to hear what is happening around you. From other drivers honking at you to emergency vehicles approaching, there are a lot of auditory cues that can help keep you safe on the road. Wearing headphones can interfere with your ability to hear, keeping you from picking up on these sounds. The problem is so serious that some states have even made it illegal.
3. Driving Too Close Or Tailgating Other Vehicles
If you aren’t watching the road carefully enough, you may wind up following the vehicle in front of you too closely. Known as tailgating, this practice is illegal in many places. You should adjust your following distance based on the speed that you are traveling at and the overall conditions of the road.
4. Failing To Signal When Switching To Another Lane
Any time you change lanes, you need to remember to signal. It is the only way that other drivers on the road will know what you intend to do. No matter how many or how few cars are on the road, you always need to signal. Even though this is one infraction that you probably won’t get pulled over for, it is still a good habit to get into. It is a lot easier to avoid accidents when you let other drivers know what you are doing. If you believe you have a DUI case please contact an attorney at the Butler Law Firm for help.
5. Driving Too Fast
When you are in a hurry, it is only natural to put the pedal on the metal. Unfortunately, speeding is extremely dangerous. All that you have to do is look at the numbers. In 2015, for instance, 27% of car-accident-related fatalities were the result of speeding. No matter where you are trying to go, it isn’t worth driving faster than the speed limit to get there.
6. Failing To Turn On Your Headlights
Turning on your headlights after dark is a no-brainer. There are other situations, however, where it may also be beneficial to use them. For instance, when the light starts to fade as the sun goes down or when clouds moved in and make it a lot darker outside, headlights can make your vehicle easier to see on the road. They can also help illuminate the road in front of you. It is always best to err on the side of caution and turn on your headlights anytime you think you may need them. If you need legal representation for getting a DUI under the age of 21, reach out to our law firm.
7. Failing To Wear Your Seatbelt
The percentage of drivers who use seatbelts is relatively high, exceeding 90% of drivers. However, there are still as many as 27 million people in the United States who fail to wear a seatbelt. When you consider how effective seatbelts are at saving lives, it is hard to understand why people don’t buckle up. No matter how long you are planning on being in your vehicle, it is worth taking a second to strap in before you go.
8. DUI & Thinking You’re Okay To Drive
Many people think that they are not “that” intoxicated so they get behind the wheel and put their lives at risk. Have somebody drive you to your destination. Do not get behind the wheel and potentially hurt others.
To speak with a DUI attorney in Houston call us today. If you want to check out more related content check out our blog. You can also get a free case evaluation at the Butler Law firm by clicking here.