Car accidents are a common occurrence on the road. In fact, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 6 million car crashes in the United States in 2016. These accidents resulted in over 37,000 fatalities and 2.4 million injuries. These numbers are staggering, and they show just how important it is to take steps to avoid car accidents.
While car accidents can easily happen to anyone, there are ways that you can protect yourself and others on the road. In this blog post, we will discuss four ways to avoid car accidents and keep yourself safe while driving.
When some people have a car accident, they will want to immediately settle the matter without involving insurance companies or going to court. If you have been in a car accident, it is important to seek legal counsel so that you can get the most compensation possible. These settlement examples will give you a better idea of what you could be entitled to. Advising with a car accident lawyer should be your first step after being in an accident. Also, they will help you to understand the process and what to expect.
For example, if you have been in a car accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. So before starting your engine, try to always remember the following tips.
Always Wear a Seat Belt
One of the best and most effective ways to protect yourself in a car accident is to always wear a seat belt. According to the NHTSA, seat belts are estimated to have saved nearly 345,000 lives since 1975. Wearing a seat belt significantly reduces your risk of being injured or killed in a car accident. Research has proved that seat belts lower the risk of big injury to front seat passengers by 45 %, and the risk of moderate injury by 50 %. So, always remember to think about it before hitting the road!
Don’t Use Your Mobile Phone
Using your mobile phone while driving is one of the most dangerous things that you can do on the road. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving accounted for more than 14% of all fatal car accidents in 2016. If you must use your phone while driving, make sure to pull over to a safe location first. Instead of using a mobile phone, you can use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth to stay connected while on the road. This is a safer way to use your phone and will help to avoid car accidents.
Follow Traffic Signals
Another way to avoid car accidents is to follow traffic signals and other road signs. These signs are put in place for a reason and they can help you avoid potential hazards on the road. Obeying the speed limit, yield signs, and stop signs is crucial to keeping yourself and others safe on the road. speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Running a red light or stop sign is also a leading cause of car accidents. Also, always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially in crosswalks. By following traffic signals and being aware of your surroundings, you can help to avoid car accidents.
Blind Spots
When driving, it’s important to be aware of your blind spots. These are areas around your vehicle that you cannot see when looking ahead or behind you. Checking your blind spots before changing lanes or merging is crucial to avoid car accidents. You can do a quick check by looking over your shoulder before making a move. If you cannot see the car in your blind spot, then it’s not safe to change lanes.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 800,000 accidents each year are caused by drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes. To avoid this, make sure to always check your mirrors and give a quick glance over your shoulder before changing lanes. Also, avoid driving in someone else’s blind spot as much as possible.
By following these four simple tips, you can help to avoid car accidents and protect yourself and others on the road. Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death, so it is important to do everything you can to avoid them. Always wear a seat belt, obey traffic signals, pay attention to blind spots, and never use your mobile phone while driving. These four easy tips will help keep you safe on the road! Thanks for reading! Drive safely!