You don’t want to be in an accident, do you? Well, that’s probably because accidents are often traumatic and expensive. The good news is that there are many things you can do to prevent them from happening. From being a defensive driver to keeping your car in good condition, there are plenty of ways to stay safe on the road. In this article, we’ll cover the most common causes of car accidents and how to avoid them. So, in order to help you stay safe, let’s get started.
DUI
DUI refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When you’re impaired, your ability to drive safely is greatly decreased. This can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and even death. If you or someone you know has been involved in a DUI accident, it’s important to find a car accident lawyer available in Charlotte, Raleigh, or any other city you find yourself in. They will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.
It is also important to mention that there are things you can do to avoid this type of accident. To avoid becoming a statistic, always refrain from drinking and driving. If you’ve been drinking, find a safe way to go home, such as a taxi or ride-sharing service.
You need to understand that if you are working for a business, and your job is driving the company car, you should not have a DUI charge on your record. If the employer runs a background check, then they will find out all about the prior conviction, and you will not get selected or worse, get fired, if they find out later. If you want to drive a company car after a dwi, you first need to get help from an experienced DUI attorney.
Distracted Driving
Another common cause of accidents is distracted driving. This includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, and drinking. When you’re focused on anything other than the road, your ability to drive safely is greatly diminished. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 3000 people are killed in distracted driving accidents every year.
To avoid these accidents, always keep your focus on the road. If you need to talk on the phone, pull over to a safe location first. And remember, it’s best not to text and drive at all. It can wait.
Running Red Lights
Running red lights is another major cause of accidents. This happens when a driver goes through a red light when they should have stopped. Often, this leads to collisions with other cars. It can also cause pedestrians to be hit if they are crossing the street at a crosswalk.
To avoid this, always pay attention to traffic lights and make sure to stop when you see a red light. If you are approaching an intersection and are not sure if the light is red or green, err on the side of caution and stop. Following the rules of the road will help keep you and other drivers safe.
Not Wearing Seat Belt
Seat belts are designed to keep you safe in the event of an accident. They help to keep you restrained in your seat so that you don’t get thrown around or ejected from the vehicle. Unfortunately, not everyone wears their seat belt and this can lead to serious injuries or even death.
In order to stay safe, always make sure to wear your seat belt. And, if you’re riding with someone who isn’t wearing theirs, make sure to ask them to put it on. It could save their life.
Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice can make driving more difficult and lead to accidents. This is because these conditions can make the roads slick and decrease your visibility. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, approximately 2500 people die each year as a result of weather-related accidents.
Since you cannot control the weather, the best thing you can do is be prepared for it. Make sure your car has good tires and all additional winter equipment. In addition, to avoid these accidents, always drive slowly when it’s raining or snowing. If the conditions are too dangerous, stay off the roads altogether.
Speeding
Although some cars are constructed to handle high speeds, most are not. When you drive too fast, you not only put yourself at risk but also the drivers around you. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a factor in about one-third of all fatal accidents. In addition, many more people are injured in speeding accidents than in non-speeding accidents.
To avoid these types of accidents, always drive the speed limit. And, if you’re going to be driving in a high-speed area, make sure you’re aware of the dangers and drive carefully. This means not texting, talking on the phone, or doing anything else that could distract you.
Car Defects
Car defects are another leading cause of accidents. These can include things like faulty brakes, steering problems, and even seatbelt malfunctions. Sometimes these defects are due to poor manufacturing, while other times they occur during regular wear and tear.
In order to be safe on the road, it’s important to check your car once in a while to make sure everything is in working order. If you notice any problems, take your car to a mechanic and have it fixed as soon as possible. In addition, if you’re considering buying a used car, be sure to have it inspected by a mechanic first.
Reckless Driving
Lastly, reckless driving is another major cause of accidents. This includes things like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and passing on the shoulder. Reckless driving often leads to serious accidents because it puts other drivers at risk.
To avoid being involved in an accident, always drive responsibly. This means following the rules of the road and not taking any unnecessary risks. When driving, many people forget to check their blindspots and this can cause unnecessary accidents which can be avoided if you take the right precautions. If you see someone driving recklessly, avoid them at all costs. It’s not worth the risk.
Although you can’t control the weather or other drivers, there are things you can do to stay safe on the road. Make sure to wear your seat belt, drive slowly in bad weather conditions, and obey the rules of the road. In addition, be aware of car defects and avoid reckless driving. By doing these things, you’ll significantly reduce your chances of being in a car accident. And remember: if you ever find yourself in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important that you contact your lawyer right away. They can help you get the compensation you deserve.
