Avoiding Car Accidents
The best method for dealing with car accidents is, of course, avoiding them altogether. Unfortunately, that’s simply not always possible. Even the most defensive minded driver will likely find themselves in an accident at some point of their lives, whether due to their own actions or that of another driver.
In addition to others drivers’ potentially dangerous or reckless behavior, you also need to consider factors like weather conditions, animals and wildlife, and material like fallen trees. You can be the safest, most aware driver on the planet, but even that won’t protect you against bad luck.
That being said, there are practices, strategies, and techniques every driver can follow to decrease their odds of being involved in a car accident or crash. The first rule of safe driving is to always be paying attention, especially because many times the other person is not.
Here are a few other suggestions for drivers to adhere to for avoiding car accidents and helping to ensure a safer driving experience every time you get behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving is defined as “any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.” According to the official U.S. Government website for distracted driving, 3,179 people were killed, and 431,000 were injured in car accidents as a result of distracted driving. Not entirely surprising when you consider almost 170 billion text messages are sent in the U.S. every month.
- Cell phones get most of the attention, and for good reason, but distracted driving doesn’t stop there. Doing things like setting or messing with a GPS system, arguing with other people in the vehicle with you, applying makeup, or scarfing down breakfast on the way into the office can all greatly increase your chances of being involved in a car accident from distracted driving.
- Always travel at a safe distance between you and the vehicles around you. Some people have suggested the typical one car length space, but there really isn’t a concrete answer aside from good judgment. Just be aware of the other drivers near you and leave yourself enough room in the event something does happen.
- If you want to avoid car accidents and vehicle mishaps, you need to maintain your vehicle. Keeping your tires inflated, replacing brakes at the first sign of decreased performance, and keeping up on any general maintenance issues can prevent something going wrong while driving.
- Adhering to regular safety protocols — like wearing seatbelts and car seats for kids — are significant parts of keeping you safe if you do happen to find yourself in an accident.
There’s no doubt vehicles have become much safer in recent years than earlier models, a fact that’s helped reduce the number of fatal and severe crashes. In fact, these days you’re probably more likely to be involved in a single-person car accident, which are typically less fatal/severe. Approximately 72% of car accidents involved only property damage in 2009.
If you’ve never taken Driver’s Education or defensive driving courses (or haven’t in awhile), it might be a good investment to think about. Not only will it provide you with more tools, advice, and information about the potential dangers of driving and how to avoid them, but it will often times give you immediate value in reducing your auto insurance payments/premiums. Check with your insurance provider to find out if they offer any sort of incentives.
You will never be able to completely guarantee yourself of never being in an accident or car crash, but by taking the right precautions and necessary steps you can greatly increase your chances of avoiding them.
While avoiding car accidents, accidents happen. If you’re ever involved in a car accident, contact our team of Denver car accident attorneys to help you determine fault and a plan of action going forward.
At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we have a network of medical specialists, car accident experts, and private investigators that will work diligently until your recovery and case is completed and satisfactory. For us, this isn’t about the money. It’s about protecting your safety and getting you the compensation you might deserve. Call us at (303) 758-4777 or contact us for a free evaluation of your car accident case.