Top 5 Safety Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents

All drivers are responsible for protecting themselves and their passengers whilst travelling. Sometimes accidents are unavoidable, and most of us will have an accident at one time or another. However, most car accidents can be avoided if we drive carefully and follow the traffic rules correctly. Safety should be your main priority when you get behind the wheel. Below are some of our top tips that will help you avoid car accidents and may even save you from serious injury:

1 Try not to be distracted

Distracted driving is the most common cause of car accidents in the US. It is especially common if you are driving on busy roads such as highways. It’s important that you avoid any distractions that can cause you to stop concentrating on the road. Taking your eye off what you are doing for just a few seconds could be life-threatening. Some distractions include:

• Answering your cell phone
• Trying to stop your kids fighting in the car
• Turning the radio on
• Eating
• Drinking

It’s important not to lose your concentration, but if you do have an accident, then it’s advisable to reach out to a car accident lawyer who will be able to advise you on what to do next. 

2 Look Out for Blind Spots

Alter the mirrors in your car to make sure all the areas around your car are visible. It’s important not to rely on just your mirrors or your camera-based system when reversing. Instead, keep looking behind you to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Remember that some vehicles have large blind spots, so never assume that everyone can see you.

3 Cut Down on Night-Time Driving

Driving at night is difficult for everyone. No matter how good you think your vision is, you are still more likely to have an accident at night than during the day. Your visibility is reduced when it’s dark and there are more drunk drivers on the roads at this time of day. Therefore, it’s a good idea to avoid trips at night that are unnecessary, but if you have to drive at night, then look out for reckless drivers in order to avoid potential accidents. 

4 Stick to the Speed Limits

Sticking to the speed limit is safer for you and other drivers on the road. If you are driving at high speed, then you will be less likely to stop in time if there is an emergency. For example, if a child ran into the road and you were driving over the speed limit, you may not be able to slow down in time to stop. Speed limits allow you to stop the car fast when needed, thus cutting down the risk of accidents. 

5 Be Careful When Changing Lanes

Changing lanes without using the correct signals or changing lanes abruptly can cause an accident. You should try and avoid cutting in front of other vehicles. Changing lanes without thinking about other road users can cause road rage and may result in disputes or cause them to become reckless. Try and be courteous to others and follow the rules on how to change lanes safely.

Accidents can happen for a number of different reasons. Some accidents can’t be avoided, but by following some of our top tips above, you’ll be able to minimize any potential risk. Following the rules of the road, staying alert, and sticking to the speed limit will certainly help you avoid an accident.