Putting yourself behind the wheel of your vehicle means taking on a certain amount of responsibility. You are responsible for the safety of yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and any pedestrians who might be nearby. While there are some situations where a car accident cannot be avoided, there are many ways you can change your driving habits to be safer for you and those around you. Here are our top 5 tips for avoiding car accidents.
1) Avoid Distractions
There are more ways to be distracted while driving than ever before, and with a huge percentage of car accidents caused by distracted driving changing your habits in this area should be a priority. Talking on your cell phone, texting, and allowing yourself to be distracted by the radio or Spotify playlist all mean that you’re not paying attention to what’s on the road. In driving the situation can change in seconds, so even the smallest of distractions can prove deadly if it takes place at the wrong moment. Do yourself a favor and keep your full attention on the road.
2) Be Aware of The Area
The area in which you are driving can be as much a factor in a car accident as the people on the road with you. According to Zimmerman & Frachtman, Parkland car accident lawyers, “There are locations where many accidents occur, such as I-95 and the Turnpike, as well as defective roads that contributed to an accident.” Poorly maintained roads, complicated interchanges in urban areas, and blind corners can all lead to an accident if you are not fully aware of the potential pitfalls in your surroundings. Make a habit of scanning the area and keeping in mind all the potential difficulties that could come from your surroundings.
3) Limit Driving at Night
No matter how familiar you are with the area and confident you are in your eyesight, night driving still presents its own unique challenges, and those challenges come with a higher risk of accidents. Your eyesight is limited by the dim lighting, and sudden flashes of light from LED headlights of hi-beams can blind you for a few crucial seconds without warning. In addition, drunk drivers are more often out at night, leading to an increased risk of a collision with a drunk driver. If you must drive at night, make sure that you are even more cautious and alert.
4) Never Trust Fellow Drivers
You are the only person on the road that you have full control over. Never trust that your fellow drivers are going to do what is safest or most logical in a situation. Never assume that because you have the right of way you can go forward without checking for oncoming traffic. Drivers who are distracted, drunk, or otherwise impared will often drive irrationally, running red lights and stop signs, changing lanes erratically, and changing speeds unexpectedly. Know that you will have to be prepared to make important decisions at any time while driving, and know that you cannot control the driving of others on the road. When you accept and understand this fully, you will become a more cautious and better driver.
5) Invest in Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is the only thing between you and the hard ground, so it only makes sense to invest the time and money necessary to keep your car in good condition. Always stay on top of car checkups, and find an auto mechanic in the area who you know you can trust. Ensure that your tires, your oil, and other standard elements of your car are taken care of on time and in the way that they are supposed to be. If you hear odd noises coming from your vehicle, make sure to get it looked at as soon as possible.