Car accidents are scary, painful, and often life-changing. Most of us get behind the wheel with the goal of arriving at our destination safely and without incident. Unfortunately, we cannot predict the actions or decisions of others. This is why it is so important to be aware and alert when driving, even in familiar locations or on rural roadways.
While we cannot control or predict the actions of others, we can control ourselves. For drivers, that means taking measures to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident. Put together by car accident lawyers, here are some tips for how you can do just that when you are behind the wheel.
Ways to Prevent a Car Accident
While we cannot guarantee that these tips will prevent a car accident from occurring, we can guarantee that they lessen the risk. They especially lessen the risk of being involved in an accident caused by you. Take a look.
Avoid Distracted Driving
We have all seen and heard a lot about the dangers of distracted driving. Unfortunately, too many people still allow themselves to be distracted while driving. The result is an estimated nine deaths each day in distracted driving-related car accidents. Reduce the risk of being involved in a distracted driving accident by avoiding the following while driving:
- Texting
- Talking on a handheld mobile device
- Eating
- Reading
- Plan your route in advance so you don’t have to mess with a GPS device
- If someone is texting you, wait until you are parked, then tell them that you are driving and will respond later.
- If you are drowsy, pull over somewhere safe to take a nap (truck stop, etc.). Or, if there is another driver with you, swap off so you both can nap in intervals.
Avoid Buzzed Driving
We all know that it’s not safe to drive drunk, but what about buzzed? A lot of people think that they are okay to drive after a drink or two, especially if they don’t feel the effects. Unfortunately, even a buzz can impair your driving ability. Furthermore, if you have been drinking you may not feel the full effects until several minutes later. That means you could feel fine when you get behind the wheel, but then could feel intoxicated while driving, which can be dangerous.
If you have been drinking alcohol, plan ahead and assign a designated driver. Or, use Uber or Lyft to schedule a ride home so that you can avoid the risk of a DUI, or a potentially deadly car accident.
Watch Your Speed
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that speeding factors into around 10,000 car accident fatalities each year. For many drivers, going a bit over the speed limit may not seem like a big deal. But the reality is that it could cost you your life.
Speed limits are set based on the road, traffic volume, etc. When you speed, you are driving faster than what the road was designed for. You are putting yourself and others in harm’s way. Speeding makes it harder to react and control the vehicle if the weather is bad, if you need to stop suddenly, or if there is a mechanical problem. Any of these situations can lead to a car accident.
What to Do when a Car Accident Happens
Even if you never text and drive, never drive after drinking, and you always follow the speed limit – car accidents can happen to anyone due to factors outside their control.
If you have been involved in a car accident, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. If you are injured and it was someone else’s fault, speak with a car accident lawyer before you talk to any insurance companies. You may be entitled to more than what the insurance companies offer.
