Driving Tips to Avoid Car Accidents
Car accidents are a common occurance on the road but they often have devastating consequences. In fact, there are just under 6 million collisions per year in the United States. While not every collision can be avoided, a majority of wrecks are caused by careless, negligent drivers. In these situations, there are many ways you can improve your driving to prevent crashes caused by driver error.
Follow the Speed Limit
This may seem obvious, but speeding accounted for 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. Traveling at a high speed reduces your ability to control the vehicle, stop quickly, and make quick maneuvers. A higher rate of speed means a higher impact if the vehicle was to be in a collision, causing a greater chance of death. Follow the posted speed limit and you will immediately be safer.
Don’t Have Tunnel Vision
Inexperienced or young drivers are often locked in on the road. They keep their focus on the lane they are in and may be worried what their next turn may be. It is important to avoid being concentrated only on your lane. This is called having tunnel vision. It is safest to keep scanning the road and anticipate the maneuvers of other drivers.
Never Use Your Phone
Everyone knows that using your phone while driving is the cause of many accidents. However, people continue to disregard this law everyday. Distracted driving accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in car accidents. Check your phone before you get on the road and you surely won’t miss out on any important updates. If you still feel tempted to check your phone, try putting it somewhere you won’t be able to access it while driving.
Don’t Drive Hungry
Using a phone while driving is not the only way drivers get distracted. Eating while driving is also a form of distracted driving. Eat before or after your commute to prevent this type of accident. It is as simple as that!
Get Good Rest
Fatigued driving is another common cause of devastating accidents. It has been studied that in most places, collisions most frequently occur on Friday afternoons. One reason this is true is due to driver fatigue. Drivers are more tired at the end of the week since they have been commuting to school or work in the early hours everyday of the week. This is harder to combat but not impossible. Get to bed a little earlier than you normally would. A little extra sleep can go a long way.
Don’t Pass Up the Mechanic Shop
It is important to regularly get your vehicle checked to make sure it is safe for the roads. Mechanical failures are known to cause many accidents. Tire blowouts, brake failures, and overheating engines are only a few ways mechanical errors could cause an accident. Take your car in regularly to get it serviced, especially if your car is over 10 years old.
Drive Sober
Drunk driving or driving under the influence is never a good idea. Not only is this a serious crime, this is almost a guaranteed accident waiting to happen. In 2022, there were 13,524 fatalities caused by drunk driving. That equals about 1 death every 39 minutes. Call a friend, family member, or a rideshare service if you have been drinking and need a ride.
Keep Calm
It is important to always keep your cool while driving. Drivers can feel frustration or aggression when driving in dense traffic or busy roads. Keep a calm attitude and handle each maneuver as it comes. This can prevent aggressive driving accidents and keep roads safer for everyone.
