Despite recent advances in vehicle technology, such as forward collision systems, accidents are still common on American roads. In 2018 alone, approximately 36,650 people died on the road. A further 2.71 million individuals sustained injuries requiring medical attention.
Many possible types of car accidents can adversely impact you. The main types of crashes reported on American roads include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Windshield damage
- Crashes at intersections
- Backing collision
Whether severe or minor, an accident can change your life drastically. You may experience permanent disabilities, suffering, pain, or loss of wages.
Interestingly, more than 90 percent of car accidents can be prevented. Individual drivers can make the roads safer by simply adhering to regulations and safe driving practices.
Safe driving practices appear to be so simple and straightforward. However, most drivers overlook the underlying requirements, such as respecting speed limits. Others have simply forgotten the rules or never knew them in the first place.
Follow These Tips Before Driving to Make Yourself a Safe Driver and Reduce the Probability of Accidents
- Don’t drink and drive: If you must drink, seek alternative transport means, such as taxis
- Always fasten your safety belt: Develop a habit of wearing a safety belt before even switching on your car. Wear a safety belt even when you are a passenger
- Don’t drive distracted: Don’t use your phone while driving, be it texting, calling, or simply attempting to access your maps. However, if you have to use your cell phone, it is best to pull over to the roadside when it is safe
- Drive at safe speeds: Don’t exceed speed limits or drive too fast on congested roads. Respecting this will help avoid potentially catastrophic accidents
- Do not drive recklessly: Be patient in traffic and take extra caution around aggressive drivers. Also, use your vehicle and its provisions, such as turning signals, appropriately.
- Be very cautious at intersections: Intersections are the main locations of most bad accidents. Thus, be cautious before maneuvering through all intersection types. Look left, then right, then left again before driving ahead
- Change lanes properly: Don’t just change lanes recklessly. Check the state of traffic using your mirrors and signal long before you begin changing lanes. Also, stay aware of potential cars in your blind spots
- Watch out for red light runners: Always count to three before driving after a green light. Also, look both ways to ensure no driver is attempting to speed through a yellow light
- Don’t follow other cars too closely: Follow the two-second rule when driving behind other cars. It should take you two approximate seconds to reach the location the vehicle in front was when you began counting
- Don’t encourage aggressive drivers: Always let aggressive drivers drive past, or call the police when the drivers are significantly compromising safety
- Take extra caution when it rains or snows: Drive slowly and attentively in rainy and snowy conditions. If can you can, generally avoid driving in these conditions
- Be cautious when driving at night: Reduce your speed when driving at night. If you have poor eyesight, generally avoid night drives
- Always avoid potholes: Drive attentively to see potholes early enough to safely maneuver. Hitting potholes can cause significant damage to your car and potentially bad accidents
Conclusion
Doing your best to follow driving guidelines set by professionals may reduce your chances of getting into a car accident and can protect you and your loved ones,” says accident lawyer Kenneth J. LaDuca.
Universally following safe driving practices does not fully guarantee the absence of crashes due to the presence of other contributing factors. However, respecting the guidelines generally makes the roads safer by reducing the probability of accidents.
