Millions of car accidents happen every year in the United States, resulting in millions of injuries and tens of thousands of deaths. According to Allstate Insurance, the average driver will experience approximately one accident per decade. Due to the substantial possibility of being involved in a car accident, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risks.
The following are effective tips to avoid car accidents:
- Keep your eyes scanning the area ahead – Always concentrate on the area where you will be driving in 10 to 12 seconds. If you are driving through a highway, stay far enough from other cars—in the event someone were to suddenly hit their brakes or swerve, you could avoid them.
- Do not tailgate – Tailgating is one of the main causes of rear-end accidents. Leave a three- to four-second cushion between you and the car in front of you.
- Regularly maintain your vehicle – Consistently maintaining your car can prevent you from experiencing any sort of malfunctions on the road. Make sure you change the oil regularly, check if your brakes are in good condition, and keep your tires properly inflated.
- Avoid distractions – Since cellphone use while driving has resulted in nearly one-third of all crashes in the United States, keep your cellphone away while driving. In Texas and in many states, it is now illegal to text while driving.
- Be mindful of blind spots – Ensure that your rearview mirror and side-view mirrors are adjusted enough so you can see the entire scene behind you; however, do not solely rely on them. Whenever you are switching lanes or turning on an intersection, you still should take a look first before making the turn, you never know if a motorcycle, bicyclist, or pedestrian can appear "out of nowhere". Furthermore, pay attention other drivers' blind spots.
- Do not speed – You can minimize accidents by maintaining a constant speed. Exceeding a posted speed limit means you have chosen to drive faster than originally intended for that road, which puts other at risk. Plus you consume more fuel when you speed.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, request a free consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of James M. Stanley today.