Car Accidents Happen Often: Learn How To Be Safe And More Careful

An accident can happen unexpectedly. A car accident can be fatal. It can leave you with minor injuries or major injuries. At times, it can leave you permanently disabled. Besides, an accident can burden you with unbearable emotional turmoil and financial struggles. In these instances, you tend to blame yourself and wonder if you could have done something to prevent the accident. While there are accidents you can’t control, there are accidents you can avoid. You can prevent most auto accidents. So, stay informed; car accidents happen often: learn how to be safe and more careful:

1. Have the Right Attitude Towards Driving

Statistics show that teen drivers cause most accidents currently. Sadly most of these accidents result from distracted driving. Most teens have an immature attitude towards driving as they know traffic rules. A show-off attitude also fails teen drivers. They forget that they should be accountable to themselves and the passengers they may be carrying. Therefore, anytime you’re on that steering wheel, think about all the people who can suffer any type of loss when you cause an accident or die.

Think about the other drivers on the road who can similarly have dependents. Before you head out to a busy highway, seek as much supervised practice as you should. Do not drive without a successful genuine test license. Authorities can only give you this license after assessing your skills and developing confidence that you’re roadworthy.

Likewise, if you are an employer, be careful with the drivers you assign driving duties. If you are in Chicago, attorneys at the Bluemenshnelaw group warn that attorneys can hold you accountable for your unqualified driver’s mistakes. Therefore ensure that you hire drivers with valid driving licenses and those with a good record of driving. Furthermore, you must train and supervise your drivers and equip them with the essential skills. Failure to that, attorneys can charge you for negligence should your poor drivers cause accidents.

With the right attitude, you shall also understand that everyone has a right to use the road. You will observe all the traffic lights that ask you to stop and allow pedestrians to cross the street. You will also respect your fellow drivers and make their driving comfortable by obeying all the traffic rules. For instance, should you realize the car behind you is in a hurry, don’t be obstinate. Allow the vehicle to overtake even when the driver seems to be legally in the wrong.

2. Always Belt Up

A safety belt can save your life. Whether you are a passenger or a driver, develop a habit of always wearing your seatbelt. Your safety belt can help you during sudden braking. Without it, there are high chances you shall hit your face against your windshield. Remember, the seat belt reduces the inertia force, and despite the speed you’re driving at, you can escape the impact. While your windshield may fall apart, you shall be all safe and seated.

You must, however, wear your safety belt appropriately; otherwise, it may not shield you accordingly. Furthermore, when you are involved in an accident without a seat belt, you can end up out of the car. This way, you can suffer more fatal injuries. A seat belt ensures you only suffer minor injuries. Since your seatbelt should hold you snuggly, you shall not be able to move.

Therefore, should you cause an accident, you will not bang against parts of the car or objects even under substantial impact. The seat belt violates the rule of gravity and will, therefore, keep you still and unmoved. You can also be sure to avoid banging on your passengers as this would cause severe injuries. You can also prevent hurting others.

3. Avoid Driving When Under Influence

Worldwide, you are not allowed to drink and drive. Regardless of the quantity of alcohol you consume, the chemical effect of alcohol can impair your judgment. It can lower your reaction time and therefore increase your chances of causing an accident. You should also not drive while under the influence of marijuana, as relevant authorities can take away your driving license.

Similarly, marijuana can slow your reaction time, impair your judgment of distance and time and lower your coordination. Cocaine and methamphetamines can also make you reckless and aggressive. On the other hand, prescription drugs can cause dizziness, impair your cognitive functioning, and cause drowsiness. All these factors increase your chances of causing an accident.

4. Get Ready For Unfavorable Weather Conditions

Some accidents purely occur when the weather conditions are unfavorable. As a driver, you should always expect changes in the weather. You must therefore train for challenging weather conditions to know how to keep safe. You can start small; have a supervisor accompany you as you drive in bad weather. Also, only drive alone in bad weather when you’re confident and comfortable enough.

5. Only Drive Road-Worthy Vehicles

There is a reason the traffic police check your vehicle for roadworthiness. Always drive a safe car. After all, unroadworthy vehicles increase your chances of causing an accident, so you must avoid them. Similarly, if you plan to buy a car, always look for high safety ratings to enhance your safety on the road. Small vehicles and sports cars often have lower safety ratings. Before you decide on the car type, read the federal statistics on car safety to understand which vehicle types have the best safety features.

The right driving attitude is at the core of safe driving. You can avoid distracted driving, avoid overspeeding, be a responsible driver and be a responsible employer. Similarly, you can avoid reckless driving and become a defensive driver with the right attitude. You must also train for poor weather status before you drive in such conditions. Always avoid driving when intoxicated with any drugs. Drunk driving also kills, and therefore avoids driving while intoxicated. Wearing your seatbelt can also save you and save your passengers in case of an accident. Also, choose road-worthy vehicles and those with a high safety ranking to increase your safety on the road. These simple tips can spare your life. Give each a try!