Vehicles have become indispensable in our lives, not only for getting around but also for getting to our destinations quickly and easily. Driver Vehicles, despite their numerous advantages, are not without risk.
In the United States, getting into a car accident is the fifth leading cause of death. According to The National Safety Council, there were 42,060 deaths from car accidents in 2020. It was an 8% increase from 2019.
Those who survive this catastrophic accident must deal with life-altering injuries, incapacitating pain, and exorbitant medical bills for the rest of their lives.
This is why, when you get behind the wheel, your first primary concern should be to stay safe on the road. Although that is not always possible because unexpected events occur all the time, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of sustaining a fatal car accident injury.
Here are 7 car accident prevention tips every driver should know.
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Look Out for Blind Spots and Avoid Speeding
Don’t speed off before checking the area surrounding your vehicle. Adjust your mirrors to ensure you see blind spots. But don’t rely on mirrors alone.
Make it a habit to turn around to check if there is oncoming traffic in your blind spot. Semi-tracks have significant blind spots. Never assume that they see you.
Observe road safety to increase the chances of traveling safely. It’s crucial to have personal injury protection insurance when on the road.
Don’t go above the set speed limit. Overspeeding is one of the leading causes of accidents not only in the US but worldwide. It means you’ll have less time to react if semi-trucks appear out of nowhere.
You may also notice a blockage stationed on the road when it’s too late. The result would be losing control which could be tragic for you and your passengers.
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Avoid Distracted Driving
Statistics from Driver Knowledge show nine deaths result from distracted driving every day. Also, it states more than 1,060 people are injured in car crashes that involve a distracted driver.
There are a lot of things that could distract you when driving. They include a call, text message, or eye-catching object on the road. Such distractions may lead to a lack of concentration on the wheel.
When driving, always keep your eyes on the road to prevent a car accident. Also, don’t text or use your phone when driving.
If you must do something, pull over, sort out the issue, and then continue with the journey. Avoid anything that may interrupt you as you drive. It takes only a second for an accident to occur.
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Do Not Drink and Drive
According to the NHTSA, every day, 28 people in the US die in drunk driving accidents. Motorists can prevent these deaths if they observe the rule “do not drink and drive.” Yet many people believe that they can drive if they have not taken too many alcoholic beverages.
Impaired driving increases your risk of killing yourself and another individual. It can occur even after consuming a few drinks.
Also, it can affect your reaction and concentration. It may lead to a dangerous situation if you get behind the wheel. But this does not only involve alcohol or illegal drugs.
Certain prescription medications can make you feel drowsy. They may affect you’re driving capabilities. If at some point you feel sleepy when driving, pull over, take a rest, and get back on the road when you feel safe.
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Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt limits your chances of fatal injury by 50% and dying by 45%. The statistics also show that 15,000 lives are saved each year because of wearing a seatbelt. It should not seem like an inconvenience or an old-school thing to do.
Keep in mind that seat belts have saved many lives. And you never know, that little strap may end up saving yours too. So, to maintain car safety, always wear your seatbelt.
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Drive Defensively
Driving defensively is a practical car accident prevention tip to avoid possible collisions. It means using safe driving measures to prevent the dangers of the road. Dangers may result from drunk motorists, poor driver, and bad weather.
When Driver, keep eyes straight on the road to spot potential hazards. If you notice a threat, act immediately. It’s good always to be prepared to act in case the unexpected happens.
Always assume the other motorist will do something chaotic or crazy. Keep a two-second cushion between you and the driver in front of you. In case of anything, you will act in time to prevent an accident.
Besides, you can click on this link to learn what personal injury protection is and why Driver Floridians need it.
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Prepare for Bad Weather
Fogs are prevalent during winter. They blur your vision making it hard to see. If you don’t observe vehicle safety, you can easily run into a car or motorcycle at high speed.
It’s easy to forget that bad weather causes dangerous driving conditions. Before starting your journey, check the weather. If weather conditions predicted are extreme such as a hurricane, it’s best to stay home.
But if you must drive during winter, travel at slower speeds. Pay extra attention to the road to avoid getting into a collision. Observe extreme caution when navigating a curve.
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Perform Routine Maintenance
Most car accidents result from faulty vehicle components like ignition, tires, and brakes. A proper maintenance schedule is essential for road safety.
You need to know the dates that you should take your vehicle for maintenance checks. It will help you keep track of the last time you fitted new tires, had fluids changed, or got new brakes.
The vehicle’s performance will be excellent when it’s in good shape. It will also be safe for you to drive, reducing your risk of accidents. Routine maintenance and checkups will ensure your vehicle is working fine.
Conclusion
Use the above car accident prevention tips to be safe on the road.
You are now aware of the car accident prevention tips to follow when driving. But sometimes, no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. In most instances, it’s due to reckless actions or negligence of another person.
Don’t let wrongful parties get away if they have caused harm to you. It’s good to seek legal counsel to get justice for the losses and injuries suffered.
We hope you’ve gained valuable information to help you prevent a car accident. For more information on road safety and vehicle safety, check out the rest of our website.
