Accidents happen even when we would rather that they didn’t. But far from never driving any more that are ways that you can reduce the risk of this happening to you. It’s always important to remember that you are operating a heavy piece of machinery (hence the label on certain prescriptions) and with that come different consequences that could happen from an accident.
The most common type of collisions are head-on, getting hit from behind, and side collision all usually with two-car only. We aren’t trying to scare you but we do want you to be aware that these are common and in some cases deadly. Here are some easy steps to help you start driving safer than before to avoid an unnecessary accident:
1. Remember to buckle up! Wearing a seat belt may seem like a standard thing to do but may fatalities happen due to the lack of wearing one. According to the National Safety Council, you can reduce your risk of injury by 50% and that 75,000 lives have been saved because of this from 2004-2008.
2. Double-check the directions to your location. Remember MapQuest and how you would triple check where you were going before you left the house? Your phone may be a great GPS but it helps to check before you leave. This way you aren’t making last-minute turns if you have a sense of where you are going.
3. Intersections may be something that you feel is out of your control. The light is green so you go or it’s red and you stop. However, sometimes others aren’t paying attention or think that they can make a light. Be careful to take a moment if you need to before going once the light turns green.
4. It’s been a long day or a long night. Do not drive while tired! Although it sounds tempting to head straight home and go to bed you may make risky decisions due to lack of alertness. Be well rested and take a power nap if needed.
5. There is enough space on the road, no need for you to be so close to another driver. People stop suddenly and then you may be the one hitting them or vice versa.
6. Road rage is not good! We all have someplace to be and getting angry in your car is not helpful to you or those around you.
7. We all have a blind spot while driving and the mirrors are not enough sometimes. So when changing lanes just take a peek over your shoulder just in case.
8. Again we all have someplace to be. Sometimes people forget that and think they always have the right of way. Save yourself the headache of bad aftermath and yield. It’s better to lose some time than lose some money.
9. Keep your car up to date in maintenance Tire pressure, lights and brakes are some of the few things that you should check often.
The number one cause of car accidents is not a criminal that drove drunk, sped or ran a red light, it’s actually distracted drivers. So don’t overestimate your drivings skills because you’re sober, but if you ever do and get into an accident, call us at (305) 908-5545 or book an appointment and we can help you with the next step to follow after a crash.