Car accidents can happen every day and at every moment. All it takes is one mistake, and lives could be at stake. Car accidents are responsible for taking hundreds of thousands of lives each year in the United States alone.
As a driver, it is your responsibility to take care of yourself and others on the road. If you are unsure how to do it properly, here are 7 defensive driving tips that will help you avoid a car accident.
Awareness
Rule number one while driving is to always be aware of your surroundings. That means that you should always look in your mirrors and be aware of the following:
- The traffic around you
- The area that you are driving through
- Speed limits
- Traffic signs
- Pedestrians
Analyze every little detail to avoid getting in an accident. In case you do end up in a car accident, call our Car Accident Attorneys in Kansas City and schedule an initial consultation to receive free legal support and case review.
No Distractions
While driving, you want to avoid any potential distractions simply because every distraction could be your last one. Most common distractions involve:
- Using your cellphone
- Drinking and eating while driving
- Searching for objects in your car
- Adjusting the stereo
- Focusing on objects ahead
- Grooming yourself
- Programing your car’s GPS
- Playing with your kids
No Tailgating
A general rule of safe driving is to keep a safe distance from the cars ahead of you. Try and give other cars enough space on the road, and avoid tailgating other drivers. In case of emergency, the car in front of you will hit the brakes, and you will end up in a read-end collision. 9 out of 10 times you will be at fault when that happens.
Duty of Care
Every driver has a duty of care towards other drivers. That means respecting them on the road, keeping a safe distance, switching lanes with signalization and doing everything in their power to prevent an accident. In most cases after an accident occurred, the driver who breached a duty of care is usually the one at fault.
Do Not Drink and Drive
Drinking alcohol can have extremely negative consequences on your mind and body. Driving while impaired will put you and everyone else on the road in danger. Your motoric and decision-making skills are reduced, and even though you may think that you are fit to drive, in reality, you should take a cab.
Use Vehicle’s Safety Features
If you have a modern-day car, use its features to get around safely. These include:
- (parking and distance) sensors
- GPS
- Self-driving option (auto-pilot)
- Safety breaks
- Airbags
Good Condition
Keep your car in tip-top condition to increase your safety on the road. Be sure that all safety features are up-to-date, always have a spare tire, replace your tires and oil regularly, and check any noise for potential problems.
In case of an accident, consult with Kansas City Car Accident Attorneys. If you are a victim, you may be entitled to compensation based on your injuries. Be sure to act quickly, before you lose the right to seek compensation for your damages.
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