Driving is one of the most dangerous and unpredictable activities we engage in on a regular bases. With over 6 million auto accidents every year in the United States we need to be on the defense in our daily commutes to protect ourselves as much as possible. Though you may not be the one at fault there are some ways to help prevent being involved in an auto accident.
1. Eliminate all driving distractions. Distracted driving is blamed for 80% of traffic accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Adiministration. Anything from cell phones to singing can significantly interfere with your ability to focus on the road ahead.
2. Avoid the left lane. According to research, most collisions happen in the left lane of a freeway. If you are trying to avoid an accident, the left lane offers fewer escape routes than the middle or right lanes. You are also more likely to receive a ticket when driving in the fast lane.
3. Survey the road ahead. Instead of only paying attention to the vehicle in front of you- make sure you pay attention to 3 or 4 cars ahead of you. This way you know what to expect and will be able to react more efficiently in case of emergency.
4. Keep your hands on the wheel. Grip the steering wheel at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. This will give you greater control of your vehicle, making it easier to maneuver in tough situations.
5. Check your blind spots. Make sure you always know what’s happening in your blind spots. Failing to check your blind spots while changing lanes is an easy way to get in an accident.
6. Beware of intersections. A significant percentage of accidents happen at intersections from individuals running red lights or not paying attention to pedestrians etc. Try to slow down and watch out for changing lights and pedestrians. Do not slam on the gas the minute the light turns green- make sure to watch for other drivers running red lights.
7. Judge a driver by the look of their vehicle. A lot can be inferred by the condition of a drivers car. Heavy body damage could signify a reckless driver.
8. Know your car’s limits. Know what your car can and can’t do, so you can better react to road conditions. If you know your car’s breaks don’t stop on a dime- increase your following distance. If your car is not fast enough to pull in front of a vehicle- wait until it is safe.
9. Maintain the condition of your vehicle. I have seen many car accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions. Get regular tune-ups to ensure your car is fit for the road. Some malfunctions you may not even be aware of- so make sure you regularly read any information mailed to you about your car and pay attention to recalls on your vehicle.
10. Avoid nighttime driving. Lower visibility and a higher drunk-driving rate make the roads particularly dangerous after hours.
Jason Epstein is an injury attorney with the Bellevue and Seattle based firm Premier Law Group. For more information from Seattle auto accident lawyer Jason Epstein, check out the preceding link. You can also get his Bellevue personal injury lawyer books on Washington auto accidents for free by checking out http://www.straighttalklaw.com
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