Around six million accidents happen in the U.S. every year. What can you do to make sure it doesn’t happen to you or your family?
Almost 90% of people 16 years old and over have a license. You need to know how to share the road in a safe — and smart — way.
Whether you’re just taking on the open road or have some experience behind the wheel, it’s always good to learn the rules. You’ll find plenty of value in our guide on how to avoid car accidents — keep reading!
Drive Defensively
Rule number one of safe driving is to drive defensively, not offensively. What exactly does that mean?
Offensive driving is aggressive driving. That means not watching out for what others are doing and forcing others to adapt to your unpredictable actions.
Defensive driving involves being cautious and mindful of other drivers. Anticipate other’s actions and keep your eyes open to any hazards on the road.
Count to Three on Green
When a light turns green, don’t pull out into traffic right away. Counting to three before moving could save your life.
Red light runners are dangerous and can hit you if you pull into the intersection too fast. Count to three and look both ways before you go on green.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Engines can die and leave you stranded in the middle of the road or tires and blow. A well-maintained car is a safe car.
Worst case scenario, a maintenance failure can cause a wreck. If you hear a weird noise while driving, get it checked out as soon as possible.
Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating is when you drive close to bumper of the car in front of you. It’s a common occurrence but also is an easy way to cause traffic jams and wrecks.
Leave a three second buffer between you and the other car to be safe. If someone else tailgates and rear-ends you, know what to do after a car accident to make things easier.
Minimize Blind Spots
There are blind spots on your car and in the environment. For example, your visibility could be affected when you back out of a parking space or change lanes in traffics.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Stop, Look, and Listen when pulling out of a driveway or parking lot or when driving next to a large truck.
Adjust your mirrors as best as possible to minimize your blind spots. When changing lanes, look over your shoulder and keep your eyes peeled for other drivers.
How to Avoid Car Accidents the Right Way
Protect your loved ones at home and on the road. Our tips and tricks on how to avoid car accidents will keep you safe.
The important thing is to always be aware of your surroundings and of what other drivers are doing. You can’t always predict what they will do, but you can at least control your own actions.
Whether you want to learn about car accidents, maintenance, or most scenic drives, we’ve got you covered. Check out our other car articles in the lifestyle section and feel at home on the road.
