Your primary concern when driving should be getting you and your passengers to where you’re going safely. You can’t always predict what is going to happen on the road, but you can practice safe driving behaviors and avoid vehicle accidents. Follow all traffic laws and practice these safe driving habits every time you get behind the wheel to reduce your chances of getting into an automobile accident.
How to Avoid Vehicle Accidents
1. Focus on the road
This tip is rather obvious, but you might be surprised by how easy it is to get distracted while you’re behind the wheel. All sorts of things can distract you from music to conversations with passengers or something happening on the side of the road.
Adjust your seat and mirrors before you leave. Some people do things like put on makeup while driving, which is a bit unbelievable, but it does happen. You’ll be able to react faster to everything going on around you if your eyes are always on the road.
2. Hands off the phone
Cell phones are one of the biggest potential distractions that drivers have. Fumbling to pick up your phone and answer it while driving down the highway is risky. Text messaging is even more distracting. Stop texting to avoid vehicle accidents.
Looking at your phone for even a few seconds is long enough for a catastrophe to happen. If you must use your phone, link it up to a hands-free device such as your radio so you can talk while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
3. No alcohol or drugs
Drugs and alcohol are illegal while driving for a good reason. They impair your ability to drive and slows your reaction time to what’s happening around you. Not only can drug or alcohol use cause an accident, but you can also get a ticket or lose your license in severe situations. Play it safe and never, ever drive while under the influence of any substance.
4. Don’t speed
It’s illegal to speed and for a good reason. Speeding drastically increases your chances of getting in an accident. Give yourself ample time to arrive at your destination with scheduled breaks to fill up with fuel, make a bathroom stop, or grab food on the way.
Going fast limits your ability to react to events such as the car in front of you slamming on the brakes or a car merging into your lane suddenly. Arriving at your destination a few minutes early isn’t worth risking your safety and the safety of others on the road.
5. Ignore aggressive drivers
It’s tempting to tailgate the person who just cut you off on the highway, but it’s not worth the risk to need a Toronto motor vehicle accident lawyer. According to https://www.preszlerlaw.com/practice-areas/toronto-motor-vehicle-accidents/, engaging with someone exhibiting road rage increases your chances of getting into an accident.
Some people drive like they’re the only car on the road, but doing so significantly increases your chances of getting into an accident. Avoid speeding up to get next to them to avoid vehicle accidents, and if someone is tailgating you, let them pass and be on their way so you can focus on the road instead of their erratic behavior.
6. Practice safe driving
Safe driving is as simple as doing things that are expected, but not everyone does all the time. Keep at least two seconds between you and the car in front of you, know where your blind spots are, and always use your turn signals to let other drivers know where you’re headed. Use your headlights when it gets dark and when it rains or snows.
7. Stay away from construction
Avoid construction areas if at all possible while on your route to avoid vehicle accidents. Drivers get confused when they don’t know which lanes to get in, and traffic gets congested when they suddenly have to merge into a lane with little warning. Driving through construction areas also increase your chances of coming across the debris and getting a flat tire.
8. Maintain your vehicle
Keep your vehicle maintained. Simple steps such as properly inflated tires, new brake pads, and a front-end alignment can completely change how your vehicle drives. If anything feels like it’s “off,” head to a shop and have it checked out to avoid vehicle accidents and a bigger problem in the future.
Follow these tips to keep yourself safe while traveling. You can’t control what other drivers do or other outside factors, but you can control how you react to these events. Always be a diligent and safe driver every time you get into a vehicle.