Reckless Driving in New Mexico
Unfortunately, reckless driving is a common issue in New Mexico. But there are ways to keep yourself and others safe and help available for those who are negatively affected by reckless driving.
Top Causes of Accidents in New Mexico
New Mexico’s roads are known for aggressive and reckless drivers. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation:
- On average, one person loses their life per day due to a car accident in New Mexico.
- Driver inattention is the top contributing factor to crashes.
- Alcohol or drug involvement is the highest contributing factor to death in crashes.
- Excessive speed is the next highest contributing factor to death.
If you are involved in a crash in the Rio Rancho area, let Rio Rancho’s accident attorneys, Sanchez and Piñon, give you the experienced and personal representation you deserve. Sanchez and Piñon will defend your right to fair compensation.
Pain Caused by Reckless Driving
Reckless or impaired driving impacts the lives of many people in addition to the parties involved. Accidents have a way of altering people’s lives, including families, survivors, and especially the community.
Families
By abusing their responsibility as a driver, a person can be the cause of a wrongful death and leave a trail of havoc behind for the family. Some of the ways this magnitude of impact can create problems for the family are:
- Having to grieve the loss of a parent, child, sibling, or spouse.
- The financial burden of the loss of an income or childcare.
- Having to face a legal battle.
- Long-term emotional pain.
Survivors
In this recent fatal crash, the Uber driver sustained injuries, but survived. Those who survive after an accident also have their lives dramatically altered. Some of the ways survivors may be impacted are:
- Emotional trauma.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Financial loss due to medical bills and the inability to work.
- Long-term medical conditions.
The Community
Outside of the families of those involved, there is also the impact to the community that can be caused by reckless driving. Some of the ways the community may be impacted are:
- Having to mourn the loss of a beloved friend or coworker.
- Needing to support the families of those involved.
- Experiencing greater fear and anxiety on the roads.
How to Keep Your Family Safer
While it is impossible to control the reckless actions of other drivers, you can control how safely you drive. Here are a few basic tips to ensure you’re doing the best you can to avoid accidents on the road.
Avoid Speeding
It is no surprise that speeding contributes highly to fatalities in car accidents. While most people believe they’re only bending the law when they drive 60 mph in a 45 mph area, the speed limits are there for a reason. Some of the often unrealized consequences of speeding are:
- Reduced control of the vehicle’s steering.
- Reduced effectiveness of brakes.
- Increased damage to all vehicles involved in a crash.
- A higher chance of fatality in a crash.
Keep Both Eyes on the Road
Did you know that if you’re traveling at 55 mph, you travel the length of a football field in five seconds? Imagine what can happen in that distance if you glance away. While most people are aware of the state laws about texting and driving, many drivers feel they don’t apply to them. All it takes is a couple of seconds to collide with another vehicle. Every time you’re tempted to check a text or reach for something in the back seat, think about all of the people who would be impacted if you were to get in a crash. You could lose your life, or cause the loss of life for another.
Stay Focused
It is not enough to have both eyes on the road if your mind is not focused on the task at hand. It can be easy to become wrapped up in thoughts about the day ahead, and not notice that pedestrian crossing the street, or a vehicle swerving into your lane. Driving is a huge responsibility and it deserves our full attention. Stay mentally focused and you can make the roads safer for you and those around you.
Never Drive Impaired
In New Mexico, 50% of all crashes with a fatality involve drug or alcohol use. It is not worth the risk to drive after one too many alcoholic beverages. Impaired drivers are unable to make the safest decisions while on the road and as a result it puts everyone at risk. Make the decision to never drink and drive, and potentially prevent a crash.
Lead by Example
One of the best ways to teach children safe driving skills and keep them safer on the roads is to lead by example. New drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident. If they never see you speeding, or texting and driving, then they may be less likely to think those habits are acceptable. You can also be a positive example to other drivers on the road by practicing defensive driving skills, and making the roads a little safer for everyone.
Have you recently been injured by a reckless driver? Are you looking for experienced legal representation that will fight for you? Contact Sanchez and Piñon, Rio Rancho’s accident attorneys. While other attorneys talk, we listen and provide a personal level of representation. Let’s schedule a free consultation where we can discuss how to fight for the compensation you deserve.