Car Safety and Accident Prevention

Drivers should familiarize themselves with tips and rules to ensure they stay safe on the road. Knowing these car accident prevention tips may reduce your chances of getting into motor vehicle crashes or suffering severe injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Drive the Speed Limit and Adjust Speed for Road Conditions

Speeding is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. Driving above the speed limit means drivers have less reaction time to brake or maneuver to stop safely and avoid a collision. Speeding also makes it more difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Motorists can reduce their chances of a collision by obeying posted speed limits. Drivers should further reduce their speed when encountering adverse driving conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, broken pavement, potholes, or slick road surfaces. Slowing down in adverse conditions will ensure drivers have sufficient time to react to a hazard or imminent collision.

Take Advantage of Safety Technology

Consider buying a vehicle with the latest safety technology or installing aftermarket safety solutions in your vehicle. Today’s vehicles come with various systems that can prevent or reduce the severity of vehicular collisions and help motorists drive safely, such as:

Backup and surround-view cameras
Blind spot sensors and cameras
Lane departure warnings
Lane-keeping assist systems, which gently steer vehicles back into their lane when they begin to drift over road lines
Forward collision warnings that prevent rear-end collisions
Front collision mitigation systems, which assist with a driver’s braking or automatically apply the brakes when the system detects an imminent collision
Drowsiness warnings, which use sensors to detect driver behaviors associated with fatigued driving
Road condition indicators, which warn drivers of icy conditions

Use Defensive Driving Techniques

Drivers should learn and use defensive driving techniques that can help them drive cautiously. Some of the top defensive driving tips include:

Know your route to minimize lane changes and reduce the chances of sudden stops, last-minute turns, or exits off the highway.
Check traffic and weather conditions before starting your trip. If necessary, leave earlier to ensure you can drive safely and reach your destination on time.
Give yourself plenty of room and time to brake, slow down, and stop, which can help reduce your chances of being involved in a rear-end collision.
After passing another vehicle, leave plenty of space when returning to the lane. Once you’ve completed a pass, move out of the left lane to give other drivers the chance to pass.
Monitor your surroundings and scan the road ahead for other cars and potential hazards. Check your rear-view and side mirrors regularly for potential hazards behind you.
Never drive in another vehicle’s blind spot. If you cannot see the driver’s face in their side mirror, they probably cannot see you.
Let other drivers know your intentions by using your turn signals when you plan to turn or change lanes.
Expect the unexpected from other drivers and always have an “out” or a plan to avoid a hazardous situation or collision.

Don’t Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

All drunk driving crashes are preventable. Never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. Even a couple of drinks can impair you to the point that you can no longer safely operate a vehicle. If you plan to go out and drink or party, make alternative transportation plans, such as:

Taking a taxi or rideshare vehicle
Using public transit
Having a designated driver who will stay sober
Staying overnight at your destination and leaving in the morning

Never get into a vehicle driven by someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Avoid Distractions

Motorists can reduce their chances of getting in a car crash by focusing on the road and avoiding distracted driving behaviors. Some of the most common examples of distracted driving include:

Using a cell phone or handheld device
Sending or reading a text message
Adjusting the radio, climate control, navigation, or infotainment system
Eating
Drinking
Grooming or applying makeup
Reaching for an object
Talking to passengers
Interacting with pets
Reading a map, newspaper, magazine, or book

Cell phone use is one of the most common distracted driving behaviors. Drivers can avoid distractions by putting their cell phones away while driving and using a hands-free system for calls or text messages.

Recognize Signs of Road Rage

Drivers can protect themselves from car crashes by recognizing signs of road rage in aggressive drivers. Common examples of road rage or aggressive driving include:

Constant honking
Tailgating
Cutting off other drivers
Brake checking (sudden, unnecessary braking)
Swerving around traffic
Frequent, unexpected lane changes
Not using blinkers to signal their next move
Illegal passing
Driving on the sidewalk or median
Excessive acceleration or speeding
Running red lights or stop signs
Screaming or making rude gestures at other people
Chasing down other vehicles

Maintain Your Vehicle in Good Condition

Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including changing oil and other fluids as required. Replace your vehicle’s tires and brakes as they wear out. Remember to equip your vehicle with all-season or winter tires during the winter months. Check your vehicle’s front and rear lights regularly and replace bulbs or fix lights as necessary. Keeping your car well-maintained can help with car accident prevention by reducing the chances your vehicle suffers a sudden mechanical issue that endangers you and others.

Wear a Seat Belt

Wearing a seat belt won’t prevent you from getting into a wreck, but it can reduce the risk or severity of injuries if you do. It may even save your life. Always wear a seat belt in the car, even on short trips. They work with your vehicle’s other safety systems, such as airbags, to reduce injuries. Seat belts can also prevent you from getting thrown out of your vehicle in a catastrophic crash.

Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers If You Are Hurt

After a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, get the legal help you need to demand financial recovery and justice for your injuries. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how our firm can fight for the compensation you need for your medical treatment, lost income, and other losses.