When you hear the word “car accident,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? For a lot of people, it’s a very negative experience. They think about the way they felt when someone else was at fault for their injuries or how helpless they were when their car had been totaled. “How can I prevent being in an accident?” is a question you’ve probably asked yourself several times.”
Car accidents can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. Being prepared and knowing how to stay safe is crucial for all drivers.
In this blog post, we will answer that question and share some common causes of accidents, so you know what to look for on the road!
Wear Your Seatbelt
Everyone knows that wearing a seatbelt is important, but some people don’t realize how much of an impact it can have on their safety. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half.” That’s huge!
Wearing your seat belt also makes you more visible. Seatbelts are bright orange, so drivers around you can see them more easily. Therefore, ensure your seatbelt is on correctly and always wear it.
Don’t Text and Drive
Believe it or not, your phone can be just as dangerous when driving as other distractions, such as eating and drinking. According to statistics, distracted driving claimed 4,522 lives last year.
Texting while driving is appalling because it involves so many different types of distractions. You have to hold your phone, look at it, navigate the road with one hand while typing on a tiny keyboard, and not drop the device… all while you’re driving. Don’t text and drive.
Pull over to a safe spot or use hands-free options if you need to use your phone. Put your phone on silent mode or in the glove compartment to avoid temptation.
Keep a Safe Distance From the Car in Front of You
This tip is essential if driving in heavy traffic or on the highway. It would help if you always kept a safe distance between your car and any other vehicle around you, but it’s even more critical when there are many cars to avoid hitting anyone else who might make an abrupt stop.
A safe distance is the number one way to prevent yourself from getting into a car accident. However, if involved in a car accident, ensure that you follow the procedures for a car accident. You might need a lawyer to represent you in your claim, especially if it’s a case of serious injury and long-term damage.
A good rule of thumb is to keep at least a 3-second gap between you and the car in front. In bad weather or poor road conditions, increase this to 4-5 seconds.
Slow Down When it’s Raining, or There are Puddles on the Road.
Driving fast in the rain is a lot like texting and driving: it’s dangerous. If you drive at normal speeds when there are puddles, your tires will be able to handle them easier than if you try to go too quickly around them.
The problem with going fast on wet roads is that water can cause hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when your car loses contact with the road’s surface and feels like you are driving on a layer of water. This can lead to losing control, sliding or skidding off into another lane, or even spinning out.
Check Your Mirrors Before Changing Lanes
Mirrors are important because they allow you to see what is happening around your vehicle. Before changing lanes, make sure that there aren’t any cars in the other lane, and check your blind spot as well. Ensure that your car mirrors are properly adjusted for your height and that you can see around your vehicle easily.
If a car comes up quickly from behind or another driver has changed lanes without checking their mirrors, it can lead to an accident. Do not change lanes if another car is in the other lane or behind you! Check again before changing lanes to ensure there aren’t any problems ahead of time. This will prevent accidents from ever occurring.
Pay Attention to What is Happening Around You
Pedestrians and cyclists are often overlooked when driving in a city. However, they can be very dangerous for drivers! Pedestrians might cross the street without checking whether or not there is oncoming traffic, while cyclists could make sudden turns unexpectedly.
Both pedestrians and bikers usually don’t pay attention to what’s happening around them when they are walking or biking, so you must do so. Be aware of your surroundings to avoid an accident with a pedestrian or cyclist! Don’t forget to drive defensively and use common sense to avoid the most common causes of car accidents.
When You Should Consult a Lawyer
If you are involved in a car accident, especially one that results in serious injury, it’s important to understand your legal options. In such cases, seeking the advice of a car accident lawyers can help ensure that you understand your rights and receive fair compensation for any long-term damage. Having an experienced lawyer by your side can make navigating the legal process less stressful, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Don’t drive distracted, wear your seatbelt, and keep a safe distance from other cars on the road! With these three tips in mind, there’s no reason everyone should be unable to avoid being in an accident. Adding just one of them to your driving routine will significantly lower your chances of being involved in a car accident.
Conclusion
Staying safe on the road is a responsibility we all share. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can greatly reduce your risk of being in a car accident. Always wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions like texting while driving, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and adjust your driving to weather conditions. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in areas with pedestrians and cyclists. If you are in an accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice.
By making these practices a habit, you’re protecting yourself and contributing to safer roads for everyone. Stay alert, drive responsibly, and enjoy your journey!
