Even safe drivers can get into car accidents. It can happen to anyone. After all, it only takes a mistake by one of two drivers to cause a two-car collision. The driver in one vehicle may be perfectly following the rules of the road and paying close attention, but an impaired or distracted driver who runs a stop sign or a red light could still hit them and cause them harm.
With that being said, a focus on safety can at least lower the odds that this will happen to you. It doesn’t guarantee you won’t be injured due to someone else’s negligence, but it makes it less likely. Below are a few safety tips that will hopefully be able to help you stay safe on the roads this coming year.
Get proper rest
Fatigued driving is a bigger issue than many people realize. Being overly fatigued is similar to being impaired by drugs or alcohol. It can make it so that someone doesn’t react as quickly to conditions around them on the road, which can lead to a car accident. In some cases, drivers even nod off behind the wheel.
Consider road conditions
When looking at things like the speed limit, it’s important to consider road conditions. For instance, you may need to reduce your speed even below that limit if you’re driving in inclement weather. Drivers who strictly adhere to the limit – or even break it – in dangerous conditions could cause crashes that would otherwise be avoided.
Address common driving distractions
Finally, distracted driving causes numerous car accidents. Distracting activity can take three forms, starting with visual distractions, like looking down at a cellphone or the screen of a GPS device. There are also manual distractions, where the driver has to use their hands for a task other than driving the car, such as picking an item up off of the floor. Finally, many drivers suffer from cognitive distractions, which could be as simple as their mind wandering. Stay safe, always be alert, never use your phone in the car and try to avoid these distractions that can hinder your reaction times.
As noted above, even if you try to drive safely, you could be injured due to someone else’s negligence. Be sure you know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and much more if a crash should occur. Although, hopefully, by driving as safely as you can, the risk of this situation will be significantly lowered for you.
