21 Safety Tips to Avoid Car Accidents

As summer is soon approaching, the number of car accidents on the road is likely to increase. Unfortunately, while summer is known as a leisurely time full of fun and relaxation, our roadways are at their most perilous between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Memorial Day also marks the beginning of the 100 Deadliest Days, also known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.

Car accidents can be frightening, traumatic, expensive, and time-consuming. Although some accidents are not fatal, they frequently cause property damage and injury.

An automobile accident cannot always be avoided, but you should take the essential steps to prevent getting into one. Slowing down, removing distractions, and remaining vigilant on our roads will make a significant difference and potentially save lives.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to lower your chances of being involved in a car accident. At Worst & Associates, we have compiled a list of 21 tips to help you drive more safely and avoid getting into an accident this summer.

1. Remain Calm at All Times

Keeping calm at all times whilst on the road, regardless of other drivers' faults, is a great strategy to ensure that you’re driving more safely. Road rage and hostility are extremely hazardous for driving, and they can cause you to lose attention, take your hands off the wheel, or fail to watch where you're going. In reality, whether caused by fury or distraction, road rage is the largest cause of traffic accidents in the United States.

2. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition

A poorly maintained car can increase your likelihood of getting into a car accident. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. If you haven't had regular maintenance on your car or have put off taking it in for maintenance, try to do so before summer rolls around and before you leave on a road trip. Maintaining your car's brakes, tires, engine, and other components can reduce the chance of a circumstance in which you lose control of your vehicle.

3. Watch Out for Blind Areas

This is an important one. Unfortunately, all automobiles have blind zones. Even if you fix all of your mirrors, you can not rely on them completely. To prevent colliding with other vehicles, turn to look when you're ready to make a turn or change lanes. Consider other drivers' blind spots as well.

4. Drive Without Distractions

Avoiding distractions while driving is absolutely pivotal to helping drivers avoid car accidents. That means you need to put your phone down and avoid texting while driving! If you need to use your phone, you should pull over first. Never attempt to multitask. It’s important to avoid anything that draws your attention away from driving, even if it's only for a second. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents.

5. Be Mindful of Your Speed

Did you know that speeding causes over 10,000 fatalities each year? These statistics from the National Highway and Traffic Administration are a good reminder that as drivers, we have to always be mindful of how fast we’re driving. In today's fast-paced world, most of us are in a constant rush, but that doesn’t excuse speeding.

So, the best way to avoid speeding is to leave yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination. This way, you’re not tempted to drive fast. Also keep in mind that speeding penalties can be expensive and, in some situations, result in the loss of license points. Make sure you always resist the urge to drive faster than the speed limit: it is unnecessary, dangerous, and can be costly.

6. Always Wear Your Seat Belt

One of the most important driving habits to practice is to always remember to put on your seat belt when getting into your car. Wearing your seat belt is one of the most important safety precautions you can take as a driver in the event of a collision. In the absence of a seat belt, the head, lungs, and ribs can sustain serious damage, and accidents can be fatal. Seat belts are designed to keep you safe on the road, so don’t ignore them. Even if you're only going around the block, always put on your seat belt. It will not only keep you safe in the case of an accident, but it will also help to keep other passengers safe.

7. Plan for Unexpected Traffic Changes

According to The World Health Organization, “About 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among people aged between 15 and 29 years.”

Sometimes, being aware of traffic changes on the road can be the difference between life and death. The majority of injuries caused by automobile accidents can be avoided entirely by practicing proper traffic safety. Make sure you always keep an eye on the traffic flow so you can anticipate any changes. Watching the stream of cars several yards ahead of you will often alert you to an emergency or unexpected traffic change.

8. Never Drive After Drinking

The consequences of drinking and driving over the legal limit are harsh. Not only will you have to pay a hefty fine, but you could also find yourself in jail with your license suspended. Even one beer can affect your driving ability by decreasing your response time and driving ability. The same is true for all drugs. When you drink and drive, not only do you put yourself in danger, but other drivers and pedestrians too. Be a responsible driver and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

9. Never Drive While Drowsy or Fatigued

Driving fatigue is often as dangerous as driving drunk. If you find yourself needing to blast music and roll down the window to keep your eyes open, do it. But if you’re very fatigued, it’s usually best to pull over and locate a safe area to snooze for a few minutes.

10. Ignore Aggressive Drivers

When confronted with an aggressive driver or a motorist that is speeding and cutting other cars off, the best thing to do is just move as far out of their path as possible or ignore them by not reacting to their aggressiveness. If you can stay away from them, even better. Don’t engage them. Slow down and let them pass even if they're racing up behind you and blowing their horn.

11. Know Your Surroundings

Always pay attention not only to the person or vehicle in front of you, but also to your surroundings while you drive. Keep in mind that other drivers can change lanes at any time. That’s why you need to be cautious when driving, especially when approaching an intersection. Before crossing, always look both ways to ensure that the coast is clear. You might be confident in your driving abilities, but you have no idea what the motorist next to you is capable of.

12. Stay Out Of The Fast Lane

The fast lane may have some advantages like saving you time, but it is not recommended if you need to exit the road quickly. You also don't want to be in this lane if another car is losing control. For better road safety, stay in the center or right lane. These lanes make it easy for you to exit the road in a safe manner, if needed.

13. Be Aware of Road Construction and Closure Zones

A lot of road repairs or construction projects are completed during the spring and summer seasons. Make sure to slow down when traveling through a road construction zone to ensure your own safety and that of construction employees. To avoid a collision with another car or a construction worker, always drive slowly and cautiously.

14. Keep Your Eyes on the Road at All Times

This may be one of the easiest things to remember while driving on the road, but also one of the most often overlooked. You always need to make sure that nothing inside the car is distracting you from keeping your eyes on the road. Unfocused driving raises the likelihood of a distraction leading to an accident. The roads can be unpredictable, so as a driver, make sure your eyes are always on the road at all times.

15. Be Mindful of Motorcyclists and Jaywalkers

Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries and motorcyclist fatalities remain high. As a driver, you need to be mindful of jaywalkers and motorists who might be looking for spaces to squeeze in when you’re on the road. Try to make sure you’re always going at the right speed and keep an eye out for pedestrians and motorcyclists at all times.

16. Obey Traffic Laws at All Times

As a driver, you should obey traffic laws at all times. All traffic safety laws have been developed with the safety of everyone on the road in mind. Make sure you understand the traffic laws and adhere to them in whichever region you’re driving in. Laws are there to protect you as a driver and to protect pedestrians. Don’t ignore them; they keep us all safe.

17. Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs

When driving, keep an eye out for any warning signs on the route. These warning signs alert drivers to potential hazards on the road ahead. Accident-prone areas are frequently marked with a caution sign. If you come across such a sign on the road, try to slow down.

18. Exercise Caution at Night

Some individuals prefer to travel at night to avoid traffic, but this introduces other risks. You might be tired. Dark settings also make it harder to see clearly or meet other tired drivers. If you do need to drive at night, drive with caution.

19. Be Considerate of Other Drivers

Since you’re not the only one on the road, you should aim to treat other drivers with respect at all times. If someone is traveling slower than you would like, this is not a justification to disregard the space between your cars or tailgate them. Maintain a safe following distance, or if they are going too slowly, pass them safely when possible.

20. Drive Defensively

Driving defensively is a great way to avoid car accidents. It is important to remember that many drivers don’t observe road safety. You can avoid an accident by remaining alert to other drivers.

21. Be Wary of Weather Hazards

As the warmer months are approaching, sunshine can create difficulty for drivers due to glare that can impair their vision. You can be prepared for these sun glares by keeping a pair of sunglasses in your car at all times. Check the weather before you embark on long trips. Heavy rain and hail can cause hydroplaning and loss of control.

Sometimes Accidents Are Unavoidable

Despite following all road safety precautions, unfortunately, sometimes accidents are unavoidable.

If you were injured in a car accident as a result of someone else's carelessness or recklessness, you have the right to appropriate compensation. At Worst & Associates, our trained lawyers will analyze the details of your accident and explain how we can assist you in seeking financial compensation.

We can investigate who was at fault, assess your situation, and identify insurance policies that may cover your accident. Once we've acquired evidence to support your claim, we'll carefully negotiate a complete and fair settlement on your behalf with the proper insurance carriers. If a reasonable settlement cannot be achieved, we are prepared to litigate your claims in court. We are also prepared to help you with all areas of your claim, including third-party claims, uninsured or underinsured driver claims, subrogation, and practically all components of an injury or death claim from the moment of your loss through trial and the appellate process.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our law firm is here to relentlessly pursue and litigate your claims in order to get you the best possible outcome.