As a driver, you have a duty of care towards yourself and other road users to drive in a way that does not threaten their safety.
How to Avoid Car Accidents
Practice the following road safety measures to help you avoid car accidents.
1. Limiting Distractions
The dangers of taking your attention off the road even for a second cannot be overstated. Distracted driving claimed 2841 lives in 2018 alone, making it a hazard.
Do not answer your phone or attempt to reply to a message when you are behind the wheel. Fumbling with your radio, eating or grooming in the car, and even talking to other passengers can easily cause visual and cognitive distractions too.
2. Keep Your Distance from Other Cars
Tailgating is a form of reckless driving where a rear driver drives dangerously close to a front car. This leaves them with no time or space to slow down should the front car slow down.
Minor side-swipe accidents are also common on multiple-lane highways when a car changes lanes while too close to the car in the next lane.
3. Proper Vehicle Maintenance
It goes without saying; that vehicles that are not properly maintained can break down anytime on the road and cause a fatal accident.
Take your car for servicing regularly and per the manufacturer’s specifications. Besides this, ensure that you perform a quick check before embarking on any trip, regardless of the distance. Inspecting indicator bulbs, brake lights, tires, and the engine can go a long way in preventing an accident.
4. Watch Out for Unforeseen Hazards
Some areas are known for wild animals darting across the highways. Other places like residential estates might have children playing or crossing roads.
Always remain alert for such unexpected hazards by driving slower and maintaining a safe distance between you and the front car.
5. Avoid Driving at Night
Darkness introduces other factors that make it easy to cause an accident such as poor visibility and eyestrain. Further, drunk and fatigued drivers are likely to be traveling during such hours.
When you have to travel at night, watch out for reckless and impaired drivers.
6. Maintaining Speed Limits
Speeding is reckless behavior that endangers not only you but other road users and property. Car accidents that involve vehicles at a high speed cause more severities and fatalities.
Areas with high traffic of pedestrians and other road users have speed limit signages to reduce the number of accidents. If you are on a road with less traffic, ensure that you are driving at speeds that allow you to maintain control of the vehicle.
7. Don’t Drink and Drive
It is quite common for drivers to get behind the wheel after having a few bottles. Even the best of drivers who claim that they can drive in that state can cause an accident. Also, a DUI charge is not something you would want on your record.
If you have had one too many and have driven yourself to the venue, consider getting a cab or someone else to drive you back home.
8. Obeying Traffic Rules and Signage
Traffic rules and signage are erected on roads to enhance safety. Understand the meaning of various road signs and follow them. Areas such as towns and intersections require extra caution and strict adherence to signage.
What to Do if Another Driver Causes an Accident
Unfortunately, following these guidelines in the letter does not guarantee that you will not be involved in an accident. If you are injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, getting legal advice from expert attorneys such as Rafidi, Pallante, and Melewski will ensure that you are rightfully compensated.
About The Author:
Anne Kamwila is a freelance content writer and a digital marketer. She is passionate about writing about health, technology, and business-related guides, news, and books.
