Ten Tips to Help Prevent Car Accidents
As traffic congestion continues to worsen, urban and highway driving can be downright scary; you know that by all the car accidents you see. If you're looking for safe driving tips and guidance on how to prevent car accidents, start by staying alert. How many times have you glanced over at another car and watched as a distracted driver swerved from side to side? Safe driving is difficult under ideal conditions, and those who drive carelessly are a menace to everyone around them. Practicing highway driving safety every day makes a real difference.
Tips for Safer Driving
No one wants to be an accident victim, so here are 10 tips to avoid car accidents and reduce your risk of becoming another traffic statistic.
- Never Operate a Vehicle When Impaired: Over 30 percent of all traffic related fatalities involve a driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired drivers have a slower response time and degraded cognitive skills. If you plan on drinking, always have a designated driver or arrange for alternate transportation.
- Leave Yourself an Out: The center and right lane on a multilane road provide more maneuvering room in the event of an unexpected problem. Most highway-related accidents occur in the left lane where it is more difficult to find an "escape route." This habit is essential for highway driving safety.
- Obey the Speed Limit: Speed limits are implemented through careful analysis by qualified engineers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published data that identifies excess speed as a factor in almost 33 percent of all traffic fatalities.
- Don't Drive When Tired: Driving can become monotonous, especially on long trips. When a driver nods off, their reaction time is slowed considerably, which may cause a catastrophic collision. Plan breaks and swap drivers to prevent drowsy driving.
- Beware of Drivers Operating Unsafe Vehicles: Older cars often lack the modern technology required for demanding urban driving. If you see a vehicle in obvious disrepair, the driver may not be able to react in time to avoid an unexpected situation.
- Remain Focused on Driving: There is no good reason to be talking on a cell phone while driving, and texting while driving is illegal in most states and very dangerous. Avoid primping in the rear view mirror, adjusting the radio or engaging in any distracted driving activities that limit your ability to react quickly to changing conditions. Commit to distracted driving prevention every time you get behind the wheel.
- Perform Routine Maintenance: Worn brakes increase stopping distance, which can make all the difference in an unexpected panic stop. Worn tires may blow out at high speeds, making the vehicle difficult or impossible to control. For safety and security, always make sure your vehicle's maintenance is up to date and performed by a qualified mechanic.
- Fasten Your Seatbelt: According to the NHTSA, nearly 5,500 lives would be saved each year if only 90 percent of drivers used their seatbelt. Seat belt safety is critical. Children should also be in an age-appropriate car seat fastened according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Avoid Construction Areas: Detours and other road construction signs can be confusing, especially at night or in heavy traffic. Construction debris can damage your car or cause a blowout. Find an alternate route around construction zones whenever possible.
- Travel Cautiously in Inclement Weather: Snow, fog, ice and rain all reduce road visibility. Avoid driving in bad weather if possible, and proceed with extreme caution if traveling is absolutely necessary. Simple inclement weather driving tips include slowing down, increasing following distance, and using headlights appropriately.
Stay Safe Out There
Car accidents happen all the time, but by following these tips, you can be sure you do your best to avoid being part of one. Remember, safe drivers enjoy better insurance rates, higher vehicle resale value and a lower level of stress. Following a few simple rules can help keep your family safe and secure as you travel.
For more information about safe driving tips read more here.
Q&A
Question:
What does “leave yourself an out” mean, and which lane is safest on multilane roads?
Answer:
It means positioning your car so you have room to maneuver if something unexpected happens. The center and right lanes usually give you more escape options, while most highway-related accidents occur in the left lane, where it’s harder to find an immediate route around danger.
Question:
Why is obeying the speed limit so important, even if I feel in control?
Answer:
Speed limits are set by engineers based on road design and safety. Excess speed is a factor in nearly 33 percent of all traffic fatalities, and going faster cuts your reaction time and lengthens stopping distance; making it much harder to avoid sudden hazards.
Question:
How do impairment and fatigue affect crash risk, and what should I do instead of driving?
Answer:
Both alcohol/drugs and drowsiness slow reaction time and cloud judgment, dramatically raising crash risk. Over 30 percent of traffic fatalities involve an impaired driver. If you plan to drink, arrange a designated driver or alternate transportation, and on long trips plan breaks and swap drivers to prevent drowsiness.
Question:
What counts as distracted driving, and how can I prevent it?
Answer:
Using a phone (especially texting), grooming, and fiddling with the radio all pull attention from the road. Texting is illegal in most states and very dangerous. Commit to staying focused; put the phone away and avoid any in-car tasks that limit your ability to react quickly.
Question:
Do seatbelts really make that much difference?
Answer:
Yes. Seat belt use is critical for safety; the NHTSA estimates nearly 5,500 lives would be saved each year if 90 percent of drivers buckled up. Always wear your seatbelt, and ensure children are in age-appropriate car seats installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.