In 2014, the United States recorded over 32,600 deaths caused by road accidents; 962 of these fatalities occurred in Tennessee.
According to auto accident lawyers, most vehicle accidents are avoidable when certain safety precautions are in place. Below are ten things every driver should know that can help prevent auto accidents and potentially save lives.
1. Avoid Distractions
You should avoid distractions when driving, whether you are headed from Kentucky to Tennessee or Memphis to Nashville. You should avoid using your mobile phone; do not text when driving. Also, do not fiddle with the GPS or Sat Nav; pull over to sort out what you need then continue with your journey. You also should pull over to deal with the kids if you have them in the back and they are screaming or fighting. In short, avoid things that will take away your attention from the road as you drive. It only takes a second for a road accident to happen.
2. Beware Of Blind Spots
Never speed off in your vehicle before adjusting your mirrors to make sure you see all the areas surrounding the car. Moreover, avoid relying solely on the mirrors; have a habit of turning around to check your blind spots and ensure there is no oncoming traffic. Semi-trucks have significant blind spots; therefore, never assume they see you.
3. Be Familiar With Your Vehicle
Understanding your vehicle’s performance is crucial. You should know how well it can stop when you push on the brakes, how it handles around bends, and if the tires will work even under poor weather conditions, among other issues. Being familiar with your car’s performance will play a vital part in helping you avoid situations that could result in an accident.
Understanding your vehicle’s performance is crucial.
4. Perform Routine Maintenance
Having a maintenance schedule is an essential part of familiarising yourself with your vehicle. You should keep track of the dates you take your car for maintenance checks. It will help you know when you last had the fluids changed, got new brakes, or fitted new tires. The car’s performance is better when it is in tip-top shape. It will be safer to operate, thus lowering the risk of accidents.
5. Be More Cautious When Driving At Night
Some drivers take bold yet very risky decisions during the day and can be more erratic at night. Many drunk driving cases happen at night. Moreover, it is hard to see things clearly at night. Your vision is not as good as during the day. That is why you must be hyper-alert when driving at night.
6. Scan The Area
Pay attention to the driver or vehicle in front of you, but also scan the surroundings in which you are driving. Drivers can change lanes at a moment’s notice. Therefore, be attentive when driving, especially when approaching an intersection. Always look both ways to ensure the coast is clear before crossing. You might feel confident about your driving skills, but you do not know the competency skills of the driver next to you.
7. Do Not Drive When Sleepy
If you are tired and drowsy, you should consider postponing your drive. Driving when tired increases the risk of causing an accident. At times, the drowsiness can be attributed to the lack of enough sleep. As such, you will be less alert and feel fatigued when behind the wheel.
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8. Cautious Lane Changing
Not using turn signals when changing lanes, cutting in front of another driver, or changing lanes abruptly are some of the careless or negligent behaviours that lead to accidents and are against the law. It is a behaviour that can cause some drivers to develop road rage and act recklessly. If you are courteous to other road users and follow the rules when changing lanes, you will lower the chances of causing car accidents.
9. Avoid The Fast Lane
The fast lane has its conveniences, but it is a bad idea when you plan to get off the interstate quickly. You also do not want to be in this lane when there is another vehicle out of control. Stick to the centre or right lanes. They make it easier to take your exit. Leave the left lane to drivers that love high speeds, which are likely to cause accidents.
10. Do Not Drive Angry
Anger can impede your judgment, make you less attentive on the road, or act irrationally when dealing with another driver. Avoid jumping into your vehicle if you are angry.
