Nothing would bring us more pleasure than to see fewer people in car accidents. We want drivers to avoid accidents. We want to preserve life. We want passengers to reach their destinations safely. And there are more than a few very good ways to avoid a car accident. We’ve spent a great deal of time with car accident victims, and we know exactly what kinds of behaviors lead to the most accidents.
And here’s the thing: no one wants to get into a car accident. Of course not. Car accidents are an absolutely terrifying experience.
Simply put, the best thing to do is to take the necessary precautions manage to avoid a car accident in the first place. Here are the best ways to avoid a car accident, right from the minds of car accident lawyers.
Car accidents take a toll on you mentally and physically, not to mention the cost. Although not all car accidents are fatal, the effects of a car accident can linger for years have a permanent effect on the mental health of the driver, aside from personal injuries and damages to property.
1 – Avoid Aggressive Driving
Sometimes the simplest answers are often the best, and this case is no different. Here is comes down to a very simple solution to avoid getting into a car accident: slow down, be careful, and avoid aggressive driving.
The fact is, aggressive driving is responsible for far too many car accidents, all of which are completely avoidable. Over 65% of all fatalities from car accidents are caused by road rage, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).1
Aggressive driving is a state of mind, something that the driver can control, and for that reason, it is one of the best ways to avoid a car accident. Because you have direct control over your emotional state and you can avoid aggressive driving and thus avoid getting into a car accident. It’s that simple yet that difficult.
(Read tips to calm down on the road)
2 – Maintain Your Vehicle
It goes without saying that vehicle maintenance can be the difference between a safe drive home and a serious car accident. Your brakes, your tires, your alignment, and your windshield wipers are just a few of the features on your car that should be checked and maintained regularly to avoid a car accident.
It is essential to keep your car in tiptop shape before hitting the road and it’s one of the best ways to avoid a car accident. It’s that simple.
You have to be serious about regular car maintenance to avoid unnecessary mishaps but even just regular oil changes and inspections at your local garages can make a big difference. For most vehicles, a simple trip to the mechanic every few months is enough. Most people are shocked to learn how many cars are driving on faulty tires.
3 – Keep Your Eyes On The Road
Texting and driving kills. The National Safety Council reports that driving while using a cell phone leads to 1.6 million car accidents every year. Putting down your cell phone is one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid a car accident.2
The problem is that driving has become second nature to many of us, a routine behavior, something we have to do multiple times a day. We drive to work, to the grocery store, to visit friends and family. As a result, it may give drivers a false sense of safety and complacency.
But we should all remember how much responsibility we have when we operate a vehicle.
For instance, if you are traveling at 65mph, you are traveling almost 100 feet per second. The average driver has a reaction time of 1.5 seconds and it will take 2.3 seconds to begin braking in the best conditions. So, if you are not paying attention to the road, chances are you will reach 230 feet before you apply the brakes. How much can happen in all that space?
Consider keeping your eyes on the road, it may just save your life.
4 – Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is a great way to avoid a car accident by anticipating danger on the road to react to it before there is an accident. Learning how to drive defensively is also a crucial skill you can use every day that will help you avoid a car accident.
Here are some of the best ways to drive defensively
- Avoid driving in another driver’s blind spot.
- Check all your mirrors and blind spots when changing lanes.
- Do not tailgate other drivers.
- Leave space for other drivers in front and to the side of you.
- Do not speed.
Although not necessarily considered a means of driving defensively, we highly recommend that drivers increase their awareness when driving at night. Understanding how to drive defensively is a huge advantage.
And the reason is simple. You are 3X more like to have a car accident at night.3 And it’s obvious why it’s harder to see objects at night and harder to judge distances. Try your best to drive defensively as much as possible and pay extra close attention when driving at night.
5 – Drive Rested, Alert, And Sober
We spend more time on the road between the hours of 4PM and 7PM every day.4 That’s rush hour. It’s also the most dangerous time of day to be on the road. Drivers are tired, hungry, frustrated, distracted, and in some cases, driving buzzed from happy hour.
Many car accidents involve drivers who are intoxicated and too tired to drive safely. Both fatigue and intoxication can have the same effects on drivers. Many studies suggest driving tired is just as bad as driving drunk and has the same effects on reaction time.5
One of the best ways to avoid a car accident is to ensure that when you are driving, you are rested, you are sober and you are alert. It can be that simple and sometimes that difficult. Pay attention to the signs of fatigue and be honest with yourself. If you find yourself too tired to continue. Pull over, find a safe place, and call someone. Your life and the life of the drivers around you are not worth getting home 15 minutes early.
To Recap
The best ways to avoid a car accident are all reasonable measures that every driver can implement without much difficulty: Do not drive aggressively, get regular vehicle maintenance, avoid distractions, drive defensively, and drive rested, alert, and sober.
If every driver stuck to these few simple principles, there would be fewer car accidents in West Palm Beach, fewer car accidents in Orlando, fewer car accidents in Nashville, and fewer car accidents in general. If you are injured in a car accident, there are many benefits to hiring a car accident lawyer, no matter what the reason for the accident. Be sure to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
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