Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death globally. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.3 million people die due to road accidents every year. While some factors causing car accidents are unavoidable, many wrecks can be prevented if drivers take appropriate precautions. In this article, let’s discuss some effective ways for drivers to avoid getting into a car accident.
Drive Defensively
The best way to avoid accidents is to anticipate dangerous driving behavior from others and prevent collisions before they happen. Maintain a safe speed and distance from other vehicles, be on high alert for reckless driving, and avoid distracted drivers. Leave additional space between you and other cars, especially those changing lanes or turning. Defensive driving takes vigilance and patience but leads to fewer accidents. You can contact a car accident lawyer in Boulder, CO if you got into an accident due to the fault of someone else.
Obey The Rules Of The Road
A high percentage of accidents involve violations of rules around speed, stop signs, traffic signals, passing other vehicles, and parking. Follow the rules for both safe and legal driving every time you get behind the wheel. Speeding, reckless driving, and running red lights or stop signs lead to needless hardship and injury due to careless disregard for the rules.
Control Distractions
Most people know that texting and phone calls while driving are deadly distractions. But conversations with passengers, changing radio stations, eating, and drinking also divert attention from the road. Eliminate any distractions that draw your focus from driving. Pull over and respond to texts, make calls, or adjust settings for maximum safety.
Never Drive Impaired
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, extreme fatigue or any other impairment that impedes the safe operation of a vehicle is illegal and tragic. Call a cab, share a ride, or call a sober friend instead if you’re unable to drive appropriately. Impaired driving puts all lives at risk on the road.
Ensure All Passengers Wear Seat Belts
Seat belts dramatically reduce injuries and save lives in the event of an accident. All passengers in vehicles should buckle up for every trip, no matter the distance. Seat belts are inexpensive lifesavers that reduce the risk of fatal injuries to front-seat passengers as well as rear-seat passengers.
Ensure Safe Vehicles
Functioning vehicles with properly inflated tires, working headlights, fluid levels that meet standards and no major mechanical issues drive much more safely than those with problems. Get vehicles inspected regularly and fix any issues immediately that could impact the safety or legality of driving them. Prevent slipping, spinning, and loss of control by detecting problems early.
Leave Room For Error
Despite the best efforts, accidents can still happen. Leave extra space between you and other vehicles when possible, especially when weather conditions reduce visibility or traction. This provides more time to react and avoid collisions if the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly or starts to skid on slick roads. Room for error helps prevent bumps from becoming something more severe due to a lack of reaction or braking distance.
To Wrap Up
With patience and vigilance, you can maximize your chances of safely arriving at each destination without an accident. But when mistakes do happen on the road, defensiveness, obeying the rules, and space for error can mean the difference between just a fender bender and something tragic. Continuous improvement of drivers through education, experience and by preventing and surviving close calls on the road leads to safer roads and fewer fatalities over time. Reducing harm and the threat of car accidents remain low for all. With each drive, choose safety above all else for yourself and every person sharing the road.
