5 Simple Ways to Avoid a Car Accident

A car accident is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can have in life. Even if you emerge from the incident relatively unharmed, the crash can create trauma that stays with you for a long time. Although most people go through life without ever experiencing a car accident, your chances are greatly increased if you travel a lot for work or leisure.

So what can you do to reduce the chances of such a traumatic incident happening to you? Not everyone involved in a car accident is always at fault. Sometimes a collision can come out of nowhere when you are driving in a perfectly safe and reasonable manner. There will always be dangerous and unpredictable drivers on the road, but there are tips and strategies you can employ to avoid ever coming into contact with them. The last thing you want is to end up with a life changing injury or consulting with a car accident lawyer.

So to help you protect yourself and stay safe on the highway, here are five simple but effective ways to avoid a car accident.

Maintain your vehicle

Accidents are not only caused by human error. Some incidents occur due to vehicle malfunction, which can be fatal if you are in the middle of a busy motorway. It is essential that you keep your car in good condition before setting out on the roads. All cars should be serviced at least once a year, and you should address any issues immediately, before they become any worse. Keep your car clean, and check the fluid levels and tyre pressure every time you embark on a long journey. 

Minimize distractions

We all like to listen to music when we drive, but it is easy to get distracted. Fiddling with your Spotify playlist or changing your destination in Google Maps while on the move is not only dangerous, it is illegal. Of course you can listen to your favorite tunes in the car, but make sure they are quiet enough that you can hear other road users, and don’t use your phone while driving. If you need to respond to a message or check directions, pull over safely to the side of the road. Even if you think you can multitask, your attention on the road will lapse, and this is where accidents happen.

Be observant

It generally takes two bad drivers to cause an accident, so as long as you have your wits about you and pay attention to what is happening on the road, you can avoid getting into trouble. Always be aware of what other cars around you are doing, whether they are in front of you, behind you, or in the next lane. Never assume a driver will act in the way you expect, and always be prepared for someone to brake unexpectedly or change lanes without signaling. Know where your blind spots are, and always check them before maneuvering. Avoid placing yourself in the blind spot of another driver, as they might not be as vigilant as you.

Don’t drive when tired

It’s obvious that you shouldn’t drive when under the influence of drink or drugs, but driving while tired can be just as dangerous. If you have to drive a long way at night or early in the morning, make sure you stop regularly on the way to keep yourself alert. If you find yourself struggling to stay awake, opening the windows and blasting cold air in your face won’t do much. The best thing to do is pull over and get some sleep. You might end up being late for work, but that’s a much better outcome than the alternative.

Practice defensive driving

Defensive driving is a series of techniques that helps keep you and others safe on the road. It goes beyond the basic rules of the road to employ measures that will greatly reduce the risk of accidents. As well as being observant, a defensive driver will make sure to keep a sensible distance between themselves and the car in front. Tailgating leads to thousands of crashes a year, and you never know when the driver ahead will brake suddenly. Defensive driving also involves managing your speed, using your mirrors properly, and signaling at appropriate times. You should manage the space around your vehicle effectively and communicate with other drivers to avoid risk.

By following the above tips, you can keep yourself and others safe on the road and greatly reduce your risk of a fatal collision.