Navigating one-way streets and traffic jams is never easy. With so many other drivers on the road, avoiding accidents can be equally as hard. To avoid some of the common causes of car accidents, try following these simple tips.
Change Lanes with Caution :
Changing lanes is a necessity when driving, especially on the interstate. However, many people forget, or choose not to use, caution or signals when changing lanes. Switching lanes blindly, or without any warning to other drivers, can cause serious accidents, often at high speeds. Make sure to always look before changing lanes, signal properly, and avoid the blind spots of other vehicles.
Take Notice Of Severe Weather:
Just because you don’t feel severe weather when inside your car doesn’t mean it can’t affect you! Rain, hail, snow, or other serious weather can diminish visibility and increase the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle. If possible, wait until the worst of the weather has passed before venturing out.
Avoid Night Driving:
While many of us travel to and from work/school/etc. after dark, decreased visibility makes recognizing hazards harder and reaction times shorter. Night driving can also increase the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Night driving may not be avoidable, but limit it whenever possible and make sure to use extra caution when driving after dark.
Stop Correctly At All Lights And Signs:
Stop signs, traffic lights and round-abouts are implemented for a reason – to keep you safe. Make sure to stop correctly and completely whenever the traffic signs require. You may think that you can breeze through that four-way stop, but you never know what the other drivers will do. It is better to be stop than be stopped – by a crash or a police officer!
Maintain Your Vehicle:
Vehicles are designed to operate most effectively when they are properly maintained and serviced. Vehicles are more prone to defects or malfunctions when they are left untouched after long periods of driving, which can cause serious accidents. Be sure to have your car regularly inspected and serviced at a reputable dealer on a regular basis.
Limit Teenage Driving:
Inexperience is often cited as a leading cause of car accidents, and teenagers are to blame. While teenagers need to drive to get that experience, their driving should be limited to daylight hours, clear weather conditions and appropriate times when traffic flow is slow and light. 
Curb Your Reckless Driving:
Reckless drivers act like they are the only drivers on the road. They constantly tailgate, weave in and out of traffic, and ignore traffic signals and basic safety precautions. When dealing with reckless drivers, it is best to stay alert and keep a safe distance. If you recognize that you are the reckless driver, you may want to consider rethinking your attitude towards driving
Watch Your Speed:
Like traffic signs, speed limits are put into place to keep the driving public safe. If you need to arrive at your destination at a certain time, leave earlier and allow yourself more time in transit. There is no good reason to speed.
Limit Your Distractions:
Distractions, no matter how small, divert your attention and make it harder for you to concentrate on driving. Concentration is all important, as reaction time, stopping distance, and your ability to avoid accidents all hinge on concentration. Avoid cell phones, unduly loud music, eating, drinking, make-up application and other activities when driving.
Never Drive Drunk:
Driving drunk is never acceptable, and can include anything from total intoxication to a slight buzz. If you plan on drinking, designate a driver. If you have been drinking, never get behind the wheel. Joyce Davis has worked in the auto industry for over 20 years, with a strong focus on automobile safety. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, or just want to learn how to protect your self in the unfortunate even of a car crash, Joyce recommends visiting SeriousAccidents.com.
