Just because someone else on the road is being reckless doesn’t mean you should. Remember car accidents can have a lot of traumatic consequences and you should do your best to prevent them. However, if you encountered an accident, don’t panic. Take care of yourself and passengers first and get in touch with a car accident attorney who can help you with accident claims and legal formalities.
Here are 9 tips to avoid car accidents in the first place.
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1. Do Not Be In A Hurry
Crossing the speed limit is more dangerous than you realize. Speed limits are given to regulate the speed of vehicles and are specifically designed to reduce the number of accidents. It also ensures the smooth moving of road traffic. There are different speed limits for different roads depending on the road conditions, estimated traffic and other factors. If you are in a hurry, make sure to get ready earlier next time instead of risking your life.
2. Do Not Let Your Mood Affect Your Driving
The last thing you want to do during a bad day is to add an accident at the end of it. If you are in a bad mood don’t take it out on the road or other drivers by driving recklessly. If you can’t control your temper don’t drive at all.
3. Avoid All Distractions
In 2019 distracted driving accounted for more than 8% of car accidents. Your distraction can be anything remotely small. It can be the constant buzzing of your phone. It can be the extremely loud music playing from your car stereo.
It is extremely important to be alert and aware when you drive. Any distraction however minor it seems can cause you to lose your focus and make a fatal mistake which could cost you your life.
4. Do Not Drive If You Are Not Trained
Driving is not something you figure out along the way. There is a reason why there are driving schools and you receive a driving license only after a thorough test. If you are currently training for a license do not drive unsupervised on the road.
5. Inspect Your Surroundings Before You Make Turns
Do not make any quick or sharp turns without checking your surroundings. Some turns have signs which state the correct way to turn. You have to follow the signs accordingly. Make sure there are no other drivers within close proximity to avoid bumps and crashes. Be cautious and drive slowly while making sharp turns.
6. Pay Attention To All The Signs
There are many kinds of road signs and you are supposed to pay attention to them. There are ‘No Entry’ signs which prohibit the vehicle from entering a certain road or street. When you see a stop sign do not just pass by it. You are supposed to bring your car to a halt. Speed limit signs are some of the most ignored signs. Passing the speed limit not only puts you at risk for an accident but can also cost you an expensive speeding ticket.
7. Do Not Drive In Unmaintained Cars
Is your car alignment out of place? When was the last time you changed your engine oil? Are there any visible defects in your car which require fixing? Driving in an unmaintained car is a risky business. Your car might end up breaking down in the middle of the road unexpectedly which will put other drivers at risk.
8. Take Breaks During Overnight Drives
If you must drive overnight make sure you do so on a proper schedule. Take appropriate breaks in between. You don’t want to drive under extreme fatigue and risk ending up in an accident. Make sure all your car lights work since visibility is drastically reduced during the night. Keep your headlights on, drive slowly, and avoid two-lane freeways as much as you can.
9. Avoid Driving When You Are High Or Drunk
Drugs and alcohol are the worst enemies of drivers. Every day, more than 25 people in the United States lose their life due to drunk-driving crashes. No matter how fine you think you feel, your brain does not function at its best when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Your concentration power and motor abilities are significantly lowered when you are drunk.
Also, do not drive during bad weather conditions unless it is an absolute emergency. Driving during heavy rain or snowfall puts you at risk for accidents.
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