How To Drive To Avoid Collisions

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Unsafe driving and certain road conditions place you at risk of collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTA), car accidents happen every day by the minute. Collisions can be fatal at times. In the U.S. it claims an average of 37,000 lives each year.

While it doesn’t always lead to fatalities, collisions are never without consequence. Some have to deal with minor injuries and medical bills. Others get away unscathed but are left with a vehicle that needs repairs.

 

3 Driving Tips for Preventing Car Collisions

Thankfully, there are ways for you to avoid car collisions. Just follow the tips below and you’d be able to save money while keeping everyone safe from harm.

 

Tip #1: Always be a defensive driver

This should be a no-brainer, considering you have to take a course on defensive driving before qualifying for a license. In essence, being a defensive driver means taking road safety into your own hands.

Here’s are some techniques for defensive driving:

  • Stay alert at all times. Do not drive if you’re sleepy, under the influence, or if you are taking medications that impair judgment and reaction time.
  • Be on the lookout for potential dangers. Use your car mirrors to anticipate what goes in your surroundings from every angle and not just the road ahead.
  • Drive at a safe speed. Staying within the recommended speed limits gives you ample time to react in case of accidents and unexpected events.
  • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. This is particularly true when driving behind large trucks and vehicles since they can limit your view of the road and the opposite lane.
  • Never let down your guard. Even if the traffic light is green, slow down and observe all directions before crossing the road.

 

Tip #2: Focus on driving

Statistics show that it takes as little as 3 seconds of distracted driving for a collision to occur. Distracted drivers claimed the lives of 3,450 people in the United States last 2016 and injured as much as 391,000 people a year prior.

There are several reasons why drivers get distracted. The most common being phone use (i.e. texting or calling while driving) and letting the mind wander off. Other causes of distracted driving include having to attend to children and pets. But even seemingly harmless acts like grooming your hair and listening to conversation or music are enough to distract you.

Do yourself a favor keep your eyes on the road.

 

Tip #3: Be extra careful at night

Nearly half of fatal car collisions happen in the evening. More often than not, they are caused by limited lighting conditions, driving under the influence, and sleepy drivers. Given these numbers, you have to be more careful when driving at night. This is the perfect time to employ tactics in defensive driving.

 

Bonus Tip: Keep your vehicle in good driving condition

Regular car maintenance is another way you can avoid collisions. It provides the added benefit of reducing the possibility of injury in the event that a collision does occur. Loose brakes, sudden car stalls, and a broken windshield are three safety hazards associated with an ill-maintained vehicle. By ensuring that your vehicle is functioning properly, an auto body shop can minimize your risk for collisions.