Beyond causing injuries and vehicle damage, car accidents can result in higher insurance premiums, legal disputes, and financial burdens. Thankfully, there are practical measures drivers can take to reduce the risk of collisions and stay safe on the road. This article highlights essential strategies to help you avoid car crashes and protect yourself from harm.
Drive Defensively
Practicing defensive driving is one of the best ways to avoid accidents. Be constantly aware of other drivers and potential hazards. Don’t assume other motorists will follow traffic laws or drive cautiously. Expect the unexpected. Keep a safe distance from surrounding vehicles and be ready to brake. Scan for pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and obstructions in the roadway. Be prepared to react and adjust your speed or position as needed. Assume other drivers may be distracted or impaired. Drive with your head on a swivel, and don’t let your guard down. Defensive techniques give you extra time to respond and can prevent collisions. With nearly 284 million vehicles in operation in the U.S. as of 2021, defensive driving is more crucial than ever.
Limit Distractions
In 2022, 5,930,496 motor vehicle accidents were reported to the police, many of which involved distracted driving. Driver inattention is a major factor in many crashes. Distracted driving dramatically increases accident risk. Never text, talk on the phone, eat, groom yourself, or take your eyes off the road. Even glances away can have devastating consequences. Pull over safely to a complete stop if you need to text, program your GPS, eat a snack, or engage in any non-driving activity. Also, beware of “cognitive distractions” like daydreaming or intense conversations with passengers that divert mental focus. Make driving your sole priority whenever you’re behind the wheel. Staying alert and avoiding distractions helps you identify risks early and react in time. However, if you are in an accident caused by another driver’s distraction, consulting a car accident attorney who specializes in auto accidents may help protect your rights.
Obey Speed Limits
Speeding is another common cause of serious and fatal crashes. In 2022 alone, speeding contributed to 42,514 fatalities on U.S. roadways. Higher speeds give you less time to react and extend the stopping distance. The faster you drive, the more likely you are to lose control, especially in hazardous conditions like rain or snow. Observe posted speed limits and adjust your speed downwards for curves, construction zones, intersections, bad weather, heavy traffic, and low visibility conditions. Avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving through lanes, running red lights, and frequent sudden braking or acceleration. Patience and reasonable speeds give you a safety margin to avoid crashes.
Check Blind Spots
Failure to check blind spots was a factor in 40,901 fatal crashes in 2023. Neglecting to check blind spots before changing lanes or turning is an easy way to get in a crash. Always glance over your shoulder and use mirrors to be aware of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians near your blind spots. Take extra care to look for motorcycles, which can be easily obscured by larger vehicles. Get in the habit of double-checking blind spots so you don’t cut anyone off or collide with unseen obstacles when maneuvering. Use turn signals to communicate your intent early and avoid last-minute risky moves.
Staying accident-free requires proactive precautions and smart driving habits. With attentive, defensive driving and putting safety first, we can keep car crashes to a minimum and avoid costly damages and injuries.
