Every year in the United States, there are roughly 6.7 million car accidents. Whether on a busy highway, an isolated rural road, or even just a parking lot, there’s always the risk of being involved in a car accident. But by staying focused on the road, adhering to speed limits, watching your blind spots, and keeping up with regular maintenance, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident.
However, if you are ever involved in a car accident, know that you’re not alone. By hiring an experienced car accident attorney, you’ll have someone on your side to ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Ideally, you’ll never be in a car accident in the first place.
That’s why we’re using this blog to offer a few practical tips to help you avoid car accidents, enabling you to stay safer on the road. By practicing safe driving habits, such as staying focused on the road, adhering to speed limits, and keeping up with regular car maintenance, you’ll dramatically reduce your risk of being in a car accident.
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Common Causes of Car Accidents
Every car accident is unique. However, there are several common causes of car crashes that can help us better understand these types of accidents. Understanding the common causes of car crashes helps you potentially avoid them, highlighting why education is such a critical component to keeping our roads safe.
Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted driving (texting, talking on your phone, eating, applying makeup, etc.)
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (drugs or alcohol).
- Tailgating
- Illegal turns
- Running traffic signals
- Inclement weather
- Vehicle defects (and failure to keep up with regular car maintenance)
Tips for How to Avoid Car Accidents
Here are a few tips to help you avoid car accidents:
1. Stay focused on the road.
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many accidents are caused by distracted drivers. For example, texting while driving accidents are one of the leading causes of car accidents in the country. Any time you take your eyes or full attention from the road, you’ve become a less safe driver. Distracted driving takes many forms, including eating or drinking, talking with a passenger, or simply daydreaming while behind the wheel. You should always give the road your full and complete attention.
2. Adhere to speed limits.
We’ve all been there. You’re running late for work and you feel like you have to speed to make it there on time. However, arriving at your destination just a few minutes earlier is never the risk of getting into an accident. Speed limits exist for a reason. By exceeding the posted speed limit, you reduce your chance to react safely to changing road conditions. The faster you’re going, the longer it takes for you to completely stop your vehicle. In fact, a car going just 60 mph needs almost 300 feet to fully stop.
3. Watch your blind spots.
Many car accidents occur when a driver attempts to change lanes but fails to see another vehicle in their blind spot. Always check at least twice before making a lane change. Smaller vehicles and motorcycles are particularly difficult to see when passing through your blind spot. Don’t forget to use your turn signals early on, as well, to notify other motorists.
4. Never drive under the influence.
We all know that drunk driving is a major risk, and yet, it still happens every day across the country. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone dies in a drunk driving car accident roughly every 52 minutes. What makes these accidents even more tragic is that they are often easily avoided. Never get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even one or two drinks can impair your ability to drive safely and make fast, smart decisions.
5. Prepare for adverse weather.
Inclement weather, such as rain, sleet, or snow, can make driving safely much more challenging. If you can, try to avoid driving during these conditions. Snow and rain makes it much harder to control your vehicle by reducing visibility and making the roads slick or icy. However, in the chance that you have to drive during bad weather, be prepared. Use snow tires in the winter and make sure your windshield wipers are replaced regularly. Always be extra cautious when driving through poor weather conditions.
6. Avoid driving at night.
Similar to poor weather conditions, driving at night can increase your chances of being in a car accident. In fact, roughly a third of auto accidents in 2020 occurred after dark. Not only is your visibility naturally limited, but there’s also a higher risk that drunk drivers may be on the road. Of course, most of us will have to drive at night on some occasions, but you should be sure that you’re even more cautious and aware when hitting the road at night.
7. Keep up with regular car maintenance.
No one likes taking their car to the mechanic, but it’s essential to keep your car in good shape. Regular car maintenance helps you avoid potential hazards, such as flat tires or busted lights, that can increase your chance of being involved in a car accident. Regular maintenance will also help you avoid larger, more costly repairs in the long run.
Keeping Our Roads Safer for Everyone
As you can see, there are many simple ways to reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. And while most of these probably sound familiar, the challenge for many of us lies in staying consistent each and every time we get behind the wheel.
For example, we all know how important it is to avoid distracted driving and to stay completely focused on the road, but how often are we successful? To avoid car accidents and keep our roads safer for everyone, it’s essential to practice safe driving habits every time we sit behind the wheel. Whether heading out on a cross-country road trip or a simple drive across town, it’s critical to stay aware, focused, and above all, safe.
Conclusion – Tips for How to Avoid Car Accidents
If you find yourself involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney. Even the safest, most cautious drivers may be involved in a car accident. If this happens to you, you’ll want someone on your side.
The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm has years of experience defending the rights of car accident victims. Additionally, since we only work on contingency fees, there’s no financial risk for you. We only get paid if you win your case. It’s that simple. Contact the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation to see the options available for you and your case and let us help you on the road to recovery.
The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm is a team of personal injury attorneys in Denver, CO serving victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents. Each of our lawyers is licensed with the Colorado State Bar (CBA) and specialize in injury law.
We've recovered tens of millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients. For 13+ years we've helped thousands of people get back on their feet after experiencing serious injuries. We will take your case to trial and get the maximum settlement possible.
