We spend so much time behind the wheels of our automobiles that it’s easy to forget just how much danger we’re really putting ourselves in. Accidents are far too common, and there’s a degree of risk involved anytime we leave our driveways.
Car accidents are so common that each one of us will likely be in an accident at least one time during our lifetimes. Those less fortunate among us might experience even more than one.
Thankfully, there are defensive driving tactics you can use to help reduce the risk of car accidents. These are little steps and habits you can integrate into your daily drive in an effort to increase overall safety.
What should you be doing? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
1. Never Use a Cell Phone While Driving
Cell phones provider the average user with a lot of conveniences. This goes without saying. However, they can also be a danger to those who are attempting to stay focused on the task at hand; namely, driving responsibly.
Safe driving requires giving the road in front (and behind!) of you your full attention. You need to be ready at any given moment to brake, turn, or adjust your driving to match what is happening outside of your vehicle.
You can’t do this if you’re reading a text message in your lap or attempting to dial a number. Many modern cars come with voice-activated phone services so you don’t ever have to pick up your phone once you enter a vehicle.
If you do need to get on your phone, you should pull over to the side of the road and make a complete stop before doing so.
2. Give Space for Other Vehicles
One way to increase the likelihood of an accident occurring is to get to close behind other vehicles. It’s always a good idea to give plenty of room between your own car and the vehicle that is in front of you on the roadway.
Why? This will give you more time to react should something happen.
If they were to brake, you’ll have more time to notice this and brake your own vehicle as well. This goes double for a worse situation, where they swerve or hit another vehicle themselves.
You have a responsibility as a driver to pay attention to the road around you. If you don’t, you could find yourself on the receiving end of a car accident lawsuit. Then you would need an attorney like the kind you can read about in the Sweetlaw news.
3. Use High Beams Properly
Many car accidents occur at night because the lack of sunlight makes navigating dark roads more difficult. It’s important to do what you can to mitigate this risk by properly using your vehicle’s headlights.
Using your high beams is one way most drivers do this. High beams blast light and allow you to better see the road.
However, failure to turn them off when a car is approaching from the other direction can also lead to an accident. You’ll accidentally blind the other driver with your light. It’s important to turn off your high beams when you see another car approaching.
Use These Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents
Car accidents happen all the time, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be doing everything you can to avoid being in one. The above tips can help you drive defensively.
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