Car accidents can occur anywhere and at any time. From the time you pull out of your driveway or the parking lot until you reach your destination, it’s crucial to pay attention to the road. While there are lots of reasons car accidents can occur, below are the top three you should know about and understand how to avoid. This can help you stay as safe as possible every time you’re on the road.
Driving Under The Influence
Driving under the influence is one of the deadliest causes of car accidents today. According to the World Health Organization, even small levels of blood alcohol concentration can increase the risk of a car accident, and it only increases with higher BAC levels. Drugs and other substances that can impair a person’s ability to drive can also increase the chance of a car accident.
Avoid driving while under the influence of any amount of alcohol or any drug, even prescription medications that can impair your ability to drive. If you notice anyone on the road who is swerving or otherwise seems to be under the influence, stay back from them so you don’t risk them hitting your vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Most people understand that texting while driving is dangerous. In fact, it’s one of the leading causes of car accidents today. Distracted driving, however, covers more than just texting and driving. It includes doing anything at all that can take your attention away from the road. When you’re driving, avoid phone calls, texting, eating, grooming, and other tasks that can distract you as they’ll all cause you to have slower reaction times. Even if you wouldn’t have caused the accident, you’d have a much lower chance of avoiding it if you’re distracted while driving.
If you are ever in a car accident because of distracted driving, you may need to find legal consultations here to help you get compensation for the damages and injuries from the accident. Avoid others who are driving while they’re distracted by staying back from drivers who are swerving or otherwise appear to be distracted.
The Weather
You can’t change the weather while you’re driving, but you can pay attention to it and adjust your driving to fit the weather. According to the Huffington Post, one of the top reasons for car accidents is because of heavy rains. They suggest pulling over and waiting if the visibility is too low or the roads seem very slick so you can avoid being in an accident.
Always be aware of the weather while you’re driving so you can slow down or pull over until the storm is finished. Make sure you turn on your headlights whenever you need to use your wipers so other drivers can easily see you. If you see other drivers who are not adjusting for the weather by slowing down or don’t seem to be able to handle driving in the poor weather condition, stay away from them as much as possible so you do not end up getting in an accident because of them.
Staying safe on the road requires understanding how accidents can happen and what you can do to avoid them. Keep your attention on the road at all times and pay attention to the other vehicles around you to have a higher chance of being able to avoid being in an accident yourself.
As you say, paying attention to when other drivers are being unsafe and trying to keep away from them is an important part of safe driving.