No one wants to end up in a car accident. Unfortunately, car accidents have become increasingly common on our roads. Car accidents cause up to 1.3 million fatalities every year. Even more, people sustain injuries or end up with disabilities due to car accidents. If you get into a car accident that leaves you with injuries, you may need to hire experienced Idaho Car Accident Lawyers.
If you often spend time driving, you can take some measures to reduce the likelihood of ending up in a road accident. You can avoid accidents by:
- Driving while sober
- Avoiding blind spots
- Avoiding distractions
In this article, we look at some of the other things you can do to prevent car accidents. Read on for more information.
Observe Speed Limits
Speeding makes it hard for you to react and increases the chances of getting into an accident. The faster you go, the harder it becomes for you to slow down. When you have a hard time slowing down, you are more likely to cause an accident. Driving below the speed limits can also cause an accident since you make it hard for other drivers.
Stay in Your Lane
Careful driving means letting other drivers go ahead of you and not defending your place in traffic. Avoid weaving in and out of traffic and cutting off other drivers.
Ideally, stay in the right lane at all times since most accidents happen in the left lane. Also, the right lane allows you to access more escape routes if you get into a situation where you need to change lanes fast or pull onto the shoulder.
Keep Both Hands on the Wheel
When you drive with both hands on the wheel, you have more control over the car, making it easier for you to react in an emergency.
For instance, that millisecond you take to adjust your body before swerving out of the way when driving with one hand could mean the difference between life and death. You are advised to keep your hands in the 10 and 2 o’clock positions as they offer more flexibility when adjusting your course quickly.
Do Not Tailgate Other Drivers
Regardless of how slow traffic ahead of you may be, you must maintain at least two seconds of following distance with the car in front of you.
Any less than this, and you have no time to stop if the vehicle ahead hits the brakes. It is especially crucial during times when traffic is heavy. Additionally, avoiding tailgating other drivers allows you to save fuel and put less strain on your brakes.
Use Your Signals Correctly
Even when you see nobody in sight, always use your signal. When changing lanes, do not use your signals once you have started changing or after changing. Signal a few seconds before so other drivers know what you plan on doing. Also, learn how to signal when approaching an exit ramp to avoid inconveniencing other drivers.
Car accidents have become quite common. You can reduce your chances of getting into one by staying in your lane, sticking to the speed limits, and driving with both hands. Additionally, avoiding tailgating the cars in front of you and using your signals correctly helps avoid accidents.
