Follow these 6 tips to reduce your risk of being involved in an automobile accident.
In the United States alone, over two million people are injured or killed in car accidents every year. This backs up what you likely see in your day to day life in St. Louis. It may seem like just about every time you’re on the road, at some point, you see a grouping of cars that have just had an accident. Injury or death are the worst-case scenarios, but lesser consequences such as vehicle damage can still be costly and frustrating. If you’ve been in a crash already, it is best to speak with a St. Louis car accident lawyer. If you haven’t, you should do everything in your power to stay out of one. The best way to do that is by following the tips below.
Use the “Fast Lane” Sparingly
The fast lane is where most freeway accidents occur. This is due to two reasons. The first reason is that the most aggressive drivers inhabit it. The second is that it is generally up against a wall or barrier and offers no escape routes when traffic suddenly stops. For your safety, it is best to stay in the slower lanes whenever possible.
Keep Your Eyes On The Road
Perhaps the most critical factor in avoiding accidents is simply paying attention. Many people like to multitask on the road, which often takes their eyes and attention away from it. This is a mistake that is costly in the long run. Don’t be a distracted driver. Keep your eyes on the road and watch the area ahead of you.
Check Your Blind Spots
This is another common way auto accidents happen. If you don’t consistently check your blind spots, you are bound to get into a dangerous situation.
Avoid Driving Late at Night
Sometimes it is unavoidable, but you should do your best to not drive at night. Not only is there less visibility, but the quality of drivers on the road falls too. Others drivers will often be fatigued or even drunk late at night, so be careful.
Keep Your Car Maintained
While your behavior is the primary factor in keeping you safe, you also need to make sure your car is in good shape. Get your vehicle checked out regularly to ensure that it will not betray you when you need it most.
Put Your Ego Aside
Road rage is a huge problem, and it leads to a significant amount of car accidents. Even if you feel wronged on the road, never retaliate. It just isn’t worth it.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid an accident is by following two principles. First, be careful. That means checking your blind spots and generally paying attention to your surroundings. The second is to drive defensively. When you do so, you will avoid the many risky situations that come with aggression on the road. An auto accident is something that nobody wants to go through. By following these tips, you can decrease your chances of finding yourself in one of them.