Getting into a car accident, no matter how minor, is something that is likely to ruin your day. To keep this from happening, there are a few things that you can do that will lower the likelihood of getting into an accident. While these methods are not fool-proof, they will hopefully keep the number of accidents you get into over your lifetime to a minimum. This will not only help your mood, but also your bank account, and your personal safety.
This first one may sound obvious, but all too many people do not heed it. In order to avoid more car accidents, you need to drive slowly. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents, and can lead to some very expensive bills. The speed limits around you are there for a reason, and they should be obeyed as well as possible. When you drive slower, you give yourself more time to react, and therefore you will be better prepared to avoid an accident. Remember that it is better to get to your location a little late, rather than not at all.
Second, in addition to speed limit laws, you need to pay strict attention to all of the other driving laws in your area. You may know that an intersection by you is normally deserted, but that doesn’t mean you can just blow through the stop sign. When you come up to a yellow light, slow down – don’t try to speed up and beat the red. Little things like this may seem like a hindrance or an annoyance at the time, but following them is much better than finding yourself in an accident.
The third thing you can do is make sure your car is in proper working condition. Before you drive, make sure you check out the tires to ensure that they are all inflated and have tread on them. Also look under the car and make sure nothing is leaking onto the ground. Once you started driving, always check your mirrors, and pump your brakes a few times before you really get going. A quick check like this only takes a minute or two, but it can make a large difference if it prevents you from getting into an accident.
Lastly, whenever you are driving, try to remain calm and alert. Many accidents occur because people become angry behind the wheel, and they end up making bad decisions. Stay calm, but also alert, and you should avoid getting into more accidents. Always keep your eyes on the road – not on your phone – while you are driving, and keep the music level to a minimum. Chances are if you need two hands and a foot to do something – like driving – your brain should be in on it as well, so don’t let yourself get distracted.
Unfortunately, even if you follow the above advice and have a safe car, you may find yourself in an accident at some point. If this happens to you, just remember to call the police, swap insurance information with any other drivers, take pictures, get medical assistance if needed, and call a car accident attorney if you think you are going to need one. If you can obey the rules of the road, and use some common sense driving practices, you should find that car accidents in your life are kept to a minimum. Hopefully this list was a good reminder as to what those practices are, and you won’t find yourself in an accident any time soon.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
