Car crashes are more common than most people can imagine. They can be devastating and cost people not just money but, potentially, life as well. Most car crashes happen due to human error and take away more than 35000 lives annually in the US. With such a high probability of accidents, even the best drivers fear their safety on the road. While you can not take responsibility for other drivers, what you can do to protect your life is take basic safety precautions and follow traffic rules.
However, even with complete safety precautions, there are always chances that you might have an accident. The reason could be a technical failure, unfavorable weather conditions, or another driver’s mistake on the road.
If you get into a car accident where you are not at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the damage caused by other drivers’ carelessness. When this happens, you should file a car accident complaint. The investigation will determine who hit who in a car accident and take necessary action. Whether or not the case gets complicated, it is a good idea to hire an attorney who will be able to protect you.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Several small and big reasons you might end up in a car crash. But the good news is that most causes of car accidents are preventable. Even if you have never been in a car crash, keeping these precautions in mind while driving is smarter.
Old tires
One of the most important parts of a car is the tires. Tires provide grip on the road, help with braking and acceleration, and cushion the ride. Driving on old tires can be dangerous as they can develop cracks and bald spots, which can lead to blowouts and cause serious accidents. Hence, it is important to choose tires carefully and replace them when necessary. One way to do this is to read reviews from other drivers or car experts. Reviews can provide information about a tire’s performance in different conditions, as well as its lifespan. In addition, they can help you compare different tires and make an informed decision about which ones are right for your car. For example, a Michelin tire review will give you detailed information on them, helping you to make your decision in case you’re interested in the Michelin brand.
Driving under influence
Drunk driving is deadly. DUI accidents cause a lot of casualties.
One thing to always remember is that you should not touch the steering wheel when intoxicated. As a responsible adult, you should call yourself a taxi or let a sober friend drive you to your destination.
Distracted driving
This is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the US. Distraction would include anything that takes your hands off the steering wheel or mind off the road. You should not multitask while driving. It needs your complete attention.
Therefore, do not text, call, read or do any other activity while driving. If it is unavoidable, you should pull over.
Speeding
Speed limits are set to avoid accidents and reduce the severity of them if they are to occur. Crossing those speed limits can be tempting, but remember that speeding is the second most common cause of car accidents.
Even if you think you have enough pace on the road, be careful with speed limits. They are there for a reason.
Improper turns
Accidents happen when you do not look at the signs and other vehicles and drive in the right lane while taking a turn. Always check for signboards and safe passing opportunities on turns, as not doing so can lead you to horrible accidents.
Tailgating
Tailgating is the act of following a vehicle in front too closely. This is how to rear-end accidents happen. When you do not leave enough distance between your car and the car in front, there is a high chance that you will crash into it if they slow down or stop abruptly.
It is wise to keep a safe distance from cars around you while driving.
Ignoring signals
Red means stop. It is taught to us a hundred times but might still need repeating. By running a red light, you are not only breaking the law but also putting yourself and others at risk of meeting an accident.
Follow the traffic light signals, even if nobody else is there.
Extra tips
Apart from the causes mentioned above that you can keep a check on for yourself, the following points mention some other practices you can try to keep yourself safe on the road.
- Always wear your seatbelt: This may be obvious, but some people still choose not to protect themselves with this device. Seatbelts are essential safety equipment and have saved lives before.
- Stay alert and awake: you do not know how others around you are driving. Hence, it requires that you stay alert while driving. It is best to stay home if you are fatigued or tired than drive with a half-awake mind and body.
- Beware of blind spots: Blind spots can be tricky. Adjust your rear-view and side-view mirrors to get a clear view of the road. Every vehicle is different, and so their hidden areas will differ too. You should also avoid being in someone else’s blind spots to avoid causing an accident.
Conclusion
Even though the risks are high, car accidents are preventable. Seek medical and legal help if you end up in a situation of that sort but practice following traffic rules and drive attentively to avoid any accidents at all costs. Do not take your life’s value leniently. Safety should be the number one priority.
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