Driving can be a dangerous activity. Accidents can occur when you are driving. These driving accidents can be devastating, causing serious injuries or even fatalities. Many factors such as bad roads, weather conditions, and the condition of the vehicle can be attributed to being causative factors of driving accidents.
However, most driving accidents have occurred due to the error of the driver. While you cannot control the actions of other drivers on the road, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting into an accident.
Here are some life hacks to help you avoid driving accidents:
Avoid impaired driving
One of the prerequisites of safe driving is alertness. This allows you to drive safely. You also get to avoid auto crashes on the road when the other drivers on the road are not driving safely. Regardless of this need for alertness, many drivers indulge in activities that dull their alertness such as drinking or taking drugs before driving.
This is known as driving under the influence (DUI) or impaired driving. Such actions can impair the judgment of the driver. DUI can incriminate you in a lawsuit where you will need an auto accident attorney to defend you. Even if the accident were caused by some other reason, you would be still held liable if you are discovered culpable of impaired driving.
Also, avoid driving while tired. Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. If you feel tired or drowsy, it is best to take a break or find a different mode of transportation like hailing a taxi.
Obey traffic laws
One of the most important things you can do to prevent accidents is to obey traffic laws. If you tend to speed or run red lights, take a second to slow down and pay attention to your surroundings.
Speeding can result in accidents caused by road rage and aggressive drivers. Running red lights can also lead to fender benders with other cars and pedestrians. Obeying traffic laws, even if you are in a hurry, can minimize these dangers and help you stay safer on the road.
Stay focused on the road
Stay focused while driving. Distractions, such as texting or eating while driving, can take your attention away from the road and increase your risk of getting into an accident. Make a conscious effort to stay focused while driving, and put away any distractions until you reach your destination.
Practice defensive driving
While it is important to drive safely on the road, you must bear in mind that not all drivers will take precautionary measures to use the road safely. This endangers other road users. Therefore, to mitigate the risk of a driving accident, you must drive defensively by observing the following:
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
Maintaining a safe distance from other cars gives you more time to react in case of an unexpected event, such as a sudden stop or swerve. As a general rule, you should aim to keep at least one car length for every 10 mph you are traveling.
- Check your blind spots
Make sure you check your blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn. This can help prevent accidents caused by other vehicles that may be in your blind spot.
- Use your turn signals
Using your turn signals lets other drivers know your intentions, which can help prevent accidents caused by misunderstandings or miscommunications.
Keep your car in good condition
Ensuring your car is well-maintained can help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. You should regularly check your brake pads, tires, and other essential components to ensure your car is safe to drive. Also, keep a spare tire in your vehicle and ensure that the tires of your vehicle are not expired hence, are motorable.
Never drive in adverse weather conditions
Sometimes, driving accidents can be caused by circumstances beyond the driver’s error or the condition of the vehicle. Adverse weather conditions such as blizzards or heavy rainfall can pose dangerous risks for drivers and road users alike. As a general rule, never drive under such circumstances.
But due to the unpredictability of these weather conditions, you may be caught in them while on the road. Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get stuck in one such weather situation. If you can, find an alternate route or move to a place where you wait out the worst of the weather.
Final words
The number of years spent driving cannot save anyone from driving accidents especially when they do not obey basic rules of road use. The penalties for reckless driving can include having your driver’s license revoked, jail time, or fines. By following these hacks, you can avoid driving accidents when you are behind the wheel.