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Every time you get behind the wheel, you have a responsibility to yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Safe driving isn’t just about avoiding accidents; it’s about practicing consistent, mindful habits that reduce risk and promote a culture of responsibility. In places like Bryan and College Station, where traffic includes everything from students and commuters to large trucks and cyclists, safe driving is especially important.
Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group has seen firsthand the devastating consequences of preventable accidents. Below, we outline key habits and principles to help ensure you’re always driving safely, no matter where you’re headed.
Eliminate Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car crashes in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly one in five crashes on Texas roads involves distracted driving.
Common distractions include:
- Texting or using a phone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the GPS or music
- Talking to passengers
- Daydreaming or rubbernecking
How to drive distraction-free:
- Put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode while driving.
- Set your GPS and music before you start driving.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
Follow Speed Limits—And Adjust for Conditions
Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of any collision. Even five or ten miles per hour over the speed limit can make a significant difference in a crash’s outcome.
Remember:
- Speed limits are designed for optimal road and weather conditions.
- In heavy rain, fog, or traffic, it’s often necessary to go below the posted limit.
- Driving too fast through areas like George Bush Drive, Wellborn Road, or around Texas A&M University can be especially dangerous with high pedestrian activity.
Don’t Drive Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications impairs your judgment, slows reaction time, and increases the likelihood of accidents.
Tips to stay safe:
- Always assign a designated driver before going out.
- Use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft.
- Understand that even prescription medications can impair driving—read warning labels and talk to your doctor.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Safe driving involves more than watching the road ahead. Drivers must stay alert and aware of other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and road hazards.
Good habits include:
- Frequently checking your mirrors
- Looking both ways at intersections, even on green lights
- Giving motorcycles and bikes plenty of space
- Watching for crosswalks near college campuses like Blinn College or Texas A&M
Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is the practice of anticipating potential dangers and making safe choices to avoid them.
Defensive driving tips:
- Maintain a safe following distance (at least three seconds behind the car in front)
- Avoid aggressive drivers and don’t engage in road rage
- Expect the unexpected—especially near intersections and parking lots
- Yield to others when in doubt—it’s better to be safe than to be “right”
Avoid Driving When You’re Tired
Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of dozing off behind the wheel.
Stay alert by:
- Getting a full night’s sleep before long drives
- Taking regular breaks on road trips
- Avoiding driving late at night or during natural sleep hours
- Switching drivers when possible
Keep Up With Vehicle Maintenance
A well-maintained vehicle is safer to drive and less likely to experience a mechanical failure.
Basic safety checks include:
- Brakes and tires
- Headlights and brake lights
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid
- Oil and coolant levels
Ignoring maintenance can lead to sudden breakdowns, poor handling, or total loss of vehicle control.
Be Extra Cautious in School Zones and Residential Areas
School zones, especially near College Station ISD or Bryan High School, are high-risk areas with children, crossing guards, and frequent stops.
In these areas:
- Always obey reduced speed limits
- Watch for crossing pedestrians
- Avoid passing stopped school buses
- Drive slower even outside posted hours—children can be unpredictable
If A Negligent Driver injures you, Consult Attorney Scott Scherr
Even the safest drivers can fall victim to someone else’s reckless behavior. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash, contact attorney Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group for trusted legal guidance. We help clients in Bryan, College Station, and across Brazos County pursue full compensation after serious accidents.
Our team handles all communication with insurance companies, builds strong claims based on facts and evidence, and ensures your rights are protected every step of the way. Best of all, you don’t pay unless we win.