Car accidents can have a detrimental impact on the lives of many, both instantaneously and long-term. Although many can be the fault of other road users or even things beyond your control, such as the weather, there are many things you can do to help to prevent car accidents. Continue reading for some great advice.
- Look after your car
Your car might be your pride and joy, and cleaning it inside and out could be part of your routine. However, for others, a vehicle is simply a mode of transportation from one place to another, and therefore, little care is taken of it. You may fall in between those two opposites. Whichever one you are, it is imperative to keep your car in good working order.
Ensure you take it to a reputable garage at least annually for a service. Be sure to check the pressure in your tires as well as the tread. Not only could a bald tire potentially cause a significant incident, but you could also get into trouble with the police for breaking the law. You ought to also check the engine oil level regularly, particularly before setting off on a long journey. Furthermore, any unusual or new noises, smells and feels should be reported to a mechanic as soon as possible. This could prevent an accident as well as potential further damage being done to the car.
- Drive with care
When you were learning how to drive, you likely ensured you used your mirrors regularly and took care with every turn. The more experienced we are, the lazier we can become. In fact, what was once the norm for us is quickly forgotten and replaced with shortcuts. Try remembering everything you learned and apply those strategies again. Use your indicators every time you ought to and always look twice, particularly because of your blind spot, before making a move.
Even when you are abiding by the rules while driving, there will always be others who feel they are above the law. People who are in a rush, have things on their minds, or are under the influence of medication or drink all have an impact on what could happen. In fact, statistics show that 40% of accidents resulting in death are caused by drivers who have been drinking. It is essential to keep an eye out for others who are not paying attention or whose vehicles might not be behaving as they ought. Likewise, when in town and city centers, watch out for pedestrians. These days many people walk along while using their cell phones and have no clue about the dangers around them. Be mindful of children who do not yet understand road safety or the permanence of death.
Keeping your distance is vital. It can be tempting to drive close behind another vehicle. However, if they are forced to slam on their brakes, the chances are that you will be unable to react in time. The result will be a car crash with you to blame. Of course, you cannot control the drivers behind you who tailgate you. However, choosing to drive at a sensible distance from the car in front will lower the risk of an accident significantly. You will be doing all you can to control the situation.
Even when we are in a rush, speeding should be avoided. It increases your stopping distance, the risk of accident, and the chance of death when there is a collision. Stick to the speed limits at all times to improve the safety of all road users. However, it is vital to be mindful of other vehicles, especially those whose speeds will be lower, such as cyclists and horse riders. When driving near them, drop your speed significantly and approach with caution.
- Keep your calm
Road rage is on the rise. People become irate over the slightest of things while sitting behind the wheel. Life is stressful these days but reacting in an unnecessarily aggressive way will not help to alleviate any level of stress or anxiety. In fact, it will just result in it worsening. You will gain absolutely nothing from sticking a middle finger up at another driver or calling them an expletive.
Instead of thinking What an idiot! Why on earth did she do that? or Why the heck didn’t he just wait?, try to reframe things in a more positive way. Consider Maybe she doesn’t know the roads very well or He must have an emergency to get to and that’s why he’s driving so erratically. Putting a more positive spin onto our thoughts can have a huge impact on our mood for the day. What’s more, you are less likely to be distracted for the foreseeable future and take your eyes off the ball, potentially causing more of a problem to other road users than the driver who angered you did.
- Watch the weather
The weather can impact on the way in which your car responds to your instructions. Turning the wheel too rapidly can cause you to spin off the road if the surface is wet. More care must be taken during adverse weather conditions. Rainy days mean you should maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front (around double the normal distance) as stopping distances are increased. This increases hugely when the temperature drops significantly, and the ground is icy (around ten times the normal distance). Fog can make it almost impossible to see. In this case, drop your speed until you are able to see a decent distance ahead of you, and be sure to have your fog lights switched on. The winter sun can make it almost impossible to see at times. Be sure to carry a pair of sunglasses in the car at all times in case it is unbearable. For those of you who wear glasses ordinarily, invest in a pair of prescription shades as they will help you to stop squinting and see far better.
Facebook Comments