Lots of people trivialize the effect that even a seemingly small car accident such as a fender bender can leave on the rest of their lives until they are involved in one. Aside from not being able to complete the journey as planned, there are the long-lasting effects it will leave on one’s insurance premium. One of such is a constant reminder of the due date of your insurance premium payment.
Fortunately for us, many car accidents are avoidable.
Lots of people are guilty of not keeping their cars at optimum driving conditions as well not being better defensive drivers by allowing little things to distract them on the road. Reducing one’s chance of being involved in a car crash is not that hard to achieve, and by avoiding car accidents, one will live a stress-free life and save lots of money in the process.
Discussed below are four tips to help improve anyone’s driving and avoid those areas that are accident-prone on the roadways:
1. Ensure the Vehicle is at Optimum Working Condition
Proper car maintenance is crucial as far as avoiding a car crash is concerned. Components such as tires and brakes must be checked and kept in the best condition. All fluids must be at the appropriate level. Failing to pay attention to any of the things above can stop a car from stopping when its time or equally as bad, bring a car to a complete halt right in the middle of traffic.
Routine engine check and maintenance is crucial too and if one is thinking of purchasing a new car, searching for vehicles equipped with accident avoidance devices such as in-built rear cameras or electronic stability control would reduce the chances of a car crash.
2. Ensure the Driver is in the Best Driving Condition
Of course, it’s not just the vehicle that needs to be in the best condition; the driver also needs to be in the proper condition and frame of mind
Eye examinations should be kept up to date but maintaining perfect overall health is of equal importance. People who are in good health are more likely to make decisions better and faster and are less likely to serious health problem while driving. Also, it’s crucial to ensure that the driver is not on any medications capable of causing side effects like drowsiness and one should sleep adequately before any trip, night trips in particular.
3. Don’t Give in to In-Car Distractions
We are all aware that texting while driving is dangerous, but many still engage in other things that are capable of causing accidents such as eating, answering the phone, putting on make-up or even trying to search for a receipt or CD in the car. It is best to eat before or after driving and search the car before driving to see if you need anything. And, if children are in the car, the driver should ensure that things such as toys and snacks are well within their reach so the driver won’t need to get them while driving.
4. Be a Defensive Driver
I know this is one of our first lessons back in driving school, but it’s essential always never to forget to keep one eye on other drivers around you.
Staying defensive as a driver also involves checking blind spots and when you are about to move after being stopped at an interception always be on the lookout to see if cars are coming through, even when the light has turned green. Also, another important tip to avoid accidents is to keep a reasonable distance away from other cars since it affords the driver more time to react if anything goes wrong.
