Car usage in the US is the second-highest in the world. There were over a million new automobiles registered in the US in 2021. With that many cars on the road comes an increased risk of accidents.
Being involved in a car accident not only means the chance of physical injury and added expense, it also adds a ton of paperwork and emotional stress. Experienced car accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of claiming fair compensation.
Easy-to-follow tips for drivers to prevent car accidents
This is a comprehensive list of steps drivers can follow to prevent car accidents:
Pay attention
It only takes a second for deadly crashes to occur. You may fail to notice the car in front of you stopping or a child crossing the street if you’re distracted. This leads to unnecessary accidents and tragic loss of life.
Never take your eyes off the road, and don’t eat, or use your phone while you drive.
Adhere to speed limits
Lawmakers take into account things like the lay of the road, the type of traffic that frequents the area, and accident history to set speed limits. They’re there for a reason.
Adhering to speed limits ensures you’re in a position to respond adequately in the event of any mishap on the road.
For example, if the road curves dangerously, following the speed limit ensures that you’re in control of the vehicle and don’t crash.
Always wear your seatbelts
Seatbelts have saved 14,955 lives. They are designed to minimize injuries during car accidents. There’s another statistic that says that among those killed in car accidents, 50% were not buckled.
Never drive with your seatbelts unbuckled. Make sure that your fellow passengers are also buckled in.
Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
About 37 people die every day due to drunk driving. That’s about one person every 39 minutes!
Never drive under the influence of alcohol. If you’re too intoxicated to drive, hire a cab or ask a friend or family member to drive you home. Driving while you’re drunk impairs your ability to make sound judgments and endangers the lives of innocent bystanders.
Maintain a safe distance
While on the road, be sure to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. This ensures that you have space to maneuver in the event of an accident.
For example, if a driver makes a mistake or a car in the next lane is involved in an accident, you have the space to maneuver to avoid being caught in it when you maintain a safe following distance.
Adapt to changing weather conditions
The weather is ever-changing and can cause unexpected changes in the way your car interacts with the road.
For instance, snow could turn into ice on the road, reducing friction and making it difficult for you to control your vehicle.
Always check for changes in the weather before heading out. Make sure you’re prepared for any changes in the weather – like having snow tires handy if heavy snowfall is predicted for the day.
Final Thoughts
Car accidents can be deadly. Many lives can be saved just by following these simple measures. Stay safe on the road!
