A car accident can be a life-changing event. A brain injury or spinal cord injury caused by a tragic accident can have long-lasting repercussions, and fatal collisions have risen steadily since 2011. While it’s easy to let your attention lapse when driving, heeding the road ahead can keep you safe. Here’s how to prevent car accidents before they occur.
How To Prevent Car Accidents Using Simple Precautions
Many of the best ways to stop an unfortunate incident are widely published in driver’s manuals and education courses. Still, many motorists find themselves forgetting or ignoring these simple safeguards.
Never Assume Another Person’s Intentions
Drivers make mistakes. People drive drunk, text on the road, and fail to pay attention. Unfortunately, you can only control your own behavior. Always make sure other vehicles are going to do what you expect them to. Don’t assume, for example, that someone is going to stop at a stop sign. Watch them slow to a stop before you ride into the intersection.
Give Yourself a Space Cushion
You might be amazed how quickly you can end up bumper-to-bumper with the person ahead of you after an unexpected event. To counter this danger, give yourself plenty of space to notice and react to the unexpected. Always stay at least three seconds behind the driver in front of you. In inclement conditions, you should keep four or five seconds back.
How To Prevent Car Accidents Caused by Recklessness
A startling percentage of accidents are caused by negligent behavior. Besides simply paying attention, avoiding negative temptations can help you stay safe.
Inspect Your Vehicle
Balded tires and foggy mirrors are seemingly minor problems that can result in catastrophic consequences. Go above and beyond Arizona’s inspection regulations to make sure your car is ready to go. Check everything from your headlights to your brake pads.
Never Drive Impaired
Drunk driving is unacceptable behavior. Even a small amount of alcohol can noticeably impair both your driving and decision-making.
If you know you’re going to be drinking, have a place to stay or a designated driver. This may be inconvenient, but so is experiencing a devastating accident. Remember, even if an accident wasn’t your fault, you can still wind up in serious trouble if you were drunk.
Don’t Text on the Road
Texting on the road is increasingly common, and accident statistics are growing to match this increase. Even a short distraction can land you hundreds of feet ahead, leaving you unprepared for a pedestrian, obstacle, or stopped vehicle.
Don’t Drive Fatigued
Missing sleep can be as dangerous as imbibing small amounts of alcohol. Your body needs sleep to stay awake, alert, and responsive, so you should always sleep eight to nine hours a night. This isn’t always easy, but it’s well worth it for your health.
Knowing how to prevent car accidents is critical for protecting yourself and your family. If you’ve recently been a victim of someone else’s negligence, it’s time to get legal support from a skilled Phoenix car accident lawyer. At Sargon Law Group, we’ll give you the legal help you need in a caring, understanding environment. Contact us online for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Car-Accidents
https://lifesciences.byu.edu/how-to-prevent-a-serious-car-crash
https://www.drivesafeonline.org/defensive-driving/reduce-risks-of-being-in-a-car-accident/
https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/statistics/arizona-motor-vehicle-crash-facts