How to Prevent Car Accidents: 4 Effective Tips

2020 saw a disturbing spike in motor vehicle accidents: the incident rate was 24 percent higher than any figure in the past century.

While you might feel self-driving cars are the only way forward to zero deaths, that’s not the case. Instead, there are actions you can take while driving that protect you and your passengers.

Read on to find out more about how to prevent car accidents.

1. Driving Under the Influence

When it comes to preventing car accidents, it should be evident that you shouldn’t drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

You lose the ability to focus, and your reactions are slower. Because of this, you’re far more likely to make harmful or even fatal decisions. Plus, if you crash while under the influence of illegal drugs, you could land yourself in court, or worse, jail.

There is a simple fix to this problem. Hire a cab, order an Uber, or head home with your designated sober driver.

2. Reckless Driving

Many auto accidents are caused by people simply driving irresponsibly on the roads.

Some examples of reckless driving include:

• Running red lights and stop signs
• Tailgating
• Improper lane changes or turns
• Weaving between cars
• Road rage
• Speeding
• Racing other cars

If you thought any of the actions in the list above were okay, it’s time to book yourself into a driver’s ed course. Of course, there is recourse if you were in an accident and wrongly accused of reckless driving. Seek out the advice of a competent reckless driving attorney like www.peterlouielaw.com.

3. Distracted Driving

One of the biggest causes of car accidents in America today is distracted driving.

Sometimes people get so comfortable in the car they almost forget they’re on the road. They put on makeup, change the music, text on their smartphones, or turn around to chat with the kids.

When you’re in the car, make keeping your eye on the road your only focus.

Put cell phones away in a bag or the glove box so you’re not texting while driving. Provide your children with books or tablets to keep them entertained. And leave the music alone or turn it off.

4. Bad Weather

Rain and snow can make roads slippery, causing vehicles to spin out of control. Not only that but visibility is severely reduced in a thunderstorm or blizzard.

You might think that accidents that occur when the weather is terrible aren’t your fault. But in many cases, people drive too fast or not cautiously enough for the conditions.

If the weather is dismal outside, try to stay where you are until it clears up. If you have to get in the car, drive as slowly as possible. For those in snowy climates, educate yourself on when and how to put chains on your tires.

How to Prevent Car Accidents

Learning how to prevent car accidents takes time. You need to educate yourself and your loved ones on safe driving behaviors. It’s particularly important to pass this advice onto young and new drivers, so they learn good habits from the get-go.

Take some time to read the other articles on this website for more helpful advice on road safety.