Getting into a car accident is a scary situation, one that most drivers want to avoid. The habits you have behind the wheel can provide better protection for you on the road and minimize your chances for a car wreck.
For the best protection, take a look at these accident prevention tips to protect yourself from common crashes.
Any action you take behind the wheel that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off the task of driving is a distraction. Distracted driving is what causes the majority of accidents on the roads today.
Some of these distractions may be obvious to avoid, such as texting while driving. Others though seem more benign, like talking to your kids after you pick them up from school or using your GPS to find directions. Always keep your focus on the road and you’ll have a better chance of avoiding accidents.
Speeding can land you in hot water if the police pull you over. It can also leave you too little time to come to a safe stop when traffic slows ahead. Obey the speed limit, and when the weather is foul, remember that going the posted speed limit may be too fast for the conditions, such as when it’s rainy, foggy, icy, or snowy.
Whether you’re on the highway or in city traffic, always leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front of you. You never know when an obstacle such as debris, a pedestrian, or even another car will cause the driver in front of you to hit the brakes. When you tailgate, you make it much more likely that you’ll get into an accident.
Accidents at intersections with traffic lights and stop signs are caused by drivers who run through them. They can cause T-bone accidents, head-on crashes, and fatal collisions. Make sure that you pay attention to red lights and come to a full stop at all stop signs to avoid these catastrophic crashes.
Drinking and driving or driving while under the influence of drugs is a dangerous mixture. These substances can hinder your ability to make sound decisions. They can also slow your reaction time. Even certain medications prescribed by your doctor may make you unfit to drive. Always call for a rideshare or have a sober friend or family member give you a ride.
Changing lanes is a common way that car accidents occur. You should always check your mirrors and your blind spots before getting over into the adjacent lane. Use your turn signals as well to indicate to other drivers that you need to change lanes.
If you are turning right at an intersection, make sure the way is clear. Even if another vehicle has its turn signal on ahead of this intersection, wait until you’re sure they’re turning. Many accidents occur because someone else left their turn signal on in these scenarios. Additionally, left hand turns are always riskier, so obey the proper right of way before you make the turn. Taking extra care in situations that involve turning can help you prevent an accident.
Every driver on the road owes all other drivers a duty of care to drive in a safe and prudent way. Make sure that you drive at a safe speed, follow traffic laws, and don’t act aggressively behind the wheel. Speeding and tailgating are considered reckless driving behaviors, and weaving in and out of heavy traffic is another one.
Daytime driving in clear conditions is challenging enough. When the sun sets, you have a greater chance of getting into an accident. You may not always be able to avoid driving at night, but when you are on the road after dark, raise your awareness of the things that the streetlights and your headlights may not illuminate.
Most car accidents are caused by negligent driving behaviors, though failing to maintain your vehicle properly can also make you the at-fault driver in a crash. You should make sure to check that your tires are inflated to the specified PSI for your vehicle. They should also have plenty of tread to grip the road. Additionally, you need to make sure that your brakes are capable of providing enough stopping power. You’ll avoid many accidents by making sure that your vehicle is road-ready.
Construction zones can be a major headache since the traffic patterns often change from one day to the next. It’s also possible for debris from these updates to get into the middle of traffic lanes. Like many states, Tennessee has harsher penalties for those who speed in construction zones as they put workers in danger. You can prevent an accident by abiding by this rule and making sure you have enough room around you in the event other vehicles stop suddenly.
Younger drivers are at greater risk for the most common types of accidents since they lack the experience of older drivers. If you are a new driver or you have one in your home, it is imperative to get practice, follow all traffic laws, check blind spots, and use turn signals. It can also help to take additional defensive driving courses to help you gain more confidence on the road. Taking these actions will help reduce your chances for a crash.
While these tips can help you avoid an accident in many cases, you can only control your own actions. When another driver is negligent and causes you to suffer injuries, protect yourself in the event of an accident by speaking with a personal injury attorney to learn more about the legal options that are available to you.
