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Auto accidents can be fatal and tragic. Even minor accidents can lead to severe injuries and loss of property. No one thinks about the effects of a car accident until it happens. While some accidents aren’t easy to avoid, most of them are preventable.
Fortunately, there are different things you can do to help prevent accidents. Driving cautiously not only helps avoid accidents, but it can also keep your insurance costs under control. With statistics showing an increase in car accidents, you don’t want to be part of the numbers.Here are some reasons why auto accidents happen and the top things you need to do to prevent a car crash.
Major Causes of Car Accidents
Below are the major causes of auto accidents.
- Drunk driving
- Distractions like texting and talking on the phone
- Overspeeding
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Poor car maintenancev
Who are at a Risk of Getting the Most Car Accidents?
Research shows that men tend to cause more accidents than women do because they are more aggressive and they drive longer distance, unlike women.
Things to do to avoid a Car Accident
You can avoid accidents if you take specific precautions. Here are some top things you need to do to avoid an accident
Sit in the Right Posture
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You need to sit in the best possible position, as this enables you to reach the foot pedals and steering wheel. Your hands should be at 9 and 3 o’clock. Avoid driving with one hand at 12 o’clock or with your hands at the bottom of the wheel.Check to see if you have positioned the seat properly. Your wrist should rest on top of the steering wheel, and you’re back pressed against the seat.Sitting in the proper position better prepares you if you need to maneuver on the road and avoid an accident.
Avoid Over Speeding
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Driving at a fast speed is a significant contributor to traffic accidents. Although driving at a fast speed may help you get to where you’re going on time, it also increases your chances of getting in an accident.If you need to arrive on time, you can opt to leave a few minutes earlier. It’s critical to obey the set speed limits to avoid crashes.
Limit the Distractions
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Distractions are a leading cause of accidents, with the cellphone being one of the top kind of distraction. Texting or talking over the phone can delay your reaction time, leading to a crash.It’s the reason why the law now includes severe penalties for using your mobile phone when driving. You need to concentrate while driving. Avoid fiddling with the GPS, eating, or freshening up your makeup when on the road.
Avoid Driving Drunk
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Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous causes of accidents. Alcohol can lead to blurred vision and loss of consciousness while driving. Avoid drinking and driving as it can lead to loss of property and life. If you have to drink, ensure that you have a designated driver or call a cab. Taking these steps will help avoid severe consequences.
Always Have Your Seat Belt on
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Seat belts are the first line of defense during an accident. They help prevent head injuries, jerks, and prevent broken bones. Also, a safety belt can help prevent you from being thrown out of the vehicle. Always have your safety belt on while driving as it could increase your chances of survival.If you have a child, always strap them in a car seat at the back, this will help ensure the child’s safety.
Follow the Traffic Rules
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Traffic signals are meant to alert you when to drive off, slow down, or stop. You need to respect the traffic rules to avoid getting into horrible accidents. When driving in unfamiliar places, always be aware of street signs.Also, use signals when turning to another lane. Remember to give a right of way when on an intersection. Avoid running through red lights when in a hurry to get to work or an important meeting. Doing so can lead to a fatal accident.
Stay Away From Driving When Tired or Drowsy
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The consequences of driving when tired or drowsy are fatal and predictable. You can either get into a major crash or lead to severe consequences that can affect you and other’s lives. You’re advised to avoid driving when taking specific medication as it can lead to drowsiness.It’s best to take time off and rest before you go for a long drive. Also, when traveling with another person, you can ask him or her to take the wheel as you get some rest.
Do Not Neglect Maintenance
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Sometimes accidents occur because of flaws in the car. Although it’s difficult to avoid this, you need to ensure that you have your vehicle regularly maintained to prevent any accidents. It’s vital to stick to a routine maintenance schedule and keep track of dates like when you got new tires when you changed fluids, or when you last got new brakes.Also, it’s best to be familiar with your vehicle. You need to know how your car stops and if your tires can handle poor weather conditions. Knowing this ahead of time can help minimize the risk of getting into an accident.
Be a Conscious Driver
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While it’s essential to keep your eyes in front, it’s also wise to scan the whole area while driving. Look both ways before crossing to make sure that no one else is approaching the intersection. Sometimes you may be comfortable with your driving skills, but you can never be too sure about the one driving in front of you or beside you.Beware of blind spots by adjusting the mirrors to ensure that you can see all areas. Avoid over-relying on the mirrors as they can be misleading. Check to see if a vehicle is in your blind spot as some trucks have large blind spots and sometimes they may not see you.
Be Cautious When Driving at Night
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Driving at night can be tricky as nothing is predictable. You can encounter drunk drivers or pedestrians crossing at odd sports. Remember that your vision at night is not as good as it is during the day. Ensure that you’re alert when driving at night. If you can, limit the times you drive at night to prevent accidents.
Always Keep a Distance between Cars
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Driving guidelines recommend all drivers to maintain space between their car and the one in front. This ensures that you have ample time to react if the vehicle suddenly stops or changes lanes. Keeping the necessary space can help you avoid a crash as you’ll be prepared to apply emergency brakes.
Watch Out For the Weather Conditions
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Adverse weather conditions are also another leading cause of vehicular accidents. You need to be careful when driving during heavy rains, in foggy conditions, or on an icy road. If you must drive, ensure that you’re driving below the speed limit and maintain space between your car and the one ahead.If the weather deteriorates, find a safe place to park and wait until the weather has improved to drive.
Invest in Advanced Safety Systems
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Modern technology now allows you to reduce your chances of getting into an auto accident. New cars now have electronic stability control, a feature that reduces the chances of a severe vehicle crash by 50% and the risk of a dangerous rollover by 80%.Also, the latest cars have front-collision mitigation, something that can help you avoid accidents. You can find other technologies that alert you of any danger or potential trouble like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert aid.Research shows that these safety systems are effective in preventing crashes. The best part is that when you buy a new car, you can enjoy all these features.
Improve Your Driving Skills
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Car experts advise drivers to improve their driving skills to avoid accidents. Some schools provide you with the skills to practice accident avoidance and practice skid recovery in a safe environment.Obtaining this knowledge can help you learn the steps to take in emergencies, something that could save your life.
Be Courteous
It’s critical to understand that you’re not the only one on the road. Ensure that you are aware of those around you. Treat them with respect whether they’re driving slower or faster than you do. Being courteous on the road can help you avoid unnecessary accidents.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to understand that your brain cannot multitask. The best you can do is to switch in between tasks. When driving, you need to devote your full attention to the road. Avoid texting, talking on the phone, or daydream while on the wheel.Do not drink and drive, and always have your car in top condition to prevent potential accidents. Remember that you can do your part to reduce the risk of running into a car accident, but you cannot control the actions of another driver.