There are many steps you can take to limit your chances of being injured in a car accident. Some of them are obvious. For example, you likely know that it’s important to obey all applicable laws when driving.
However, there are other steps you can take to prevent accidents that may be less obvious, but are nevertheless important. They include the following:
Avoid Drowsy Driving
So much emphasis is placed on the importance of not driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol that people don’t realize how dangerous driving while tired can be. Many don’t know that lack of sleep affects someone’s ability to safely operate a vehicle the same way that alcohol does.
Don’t Eat While Driving
In many states, it’s perfectly legal to consume food and beverages while driving. Usually, police can only pull someone over for eating or drinking while driving if they create an unsafe situation.
Regardless, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites eating while driving as one of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents. One NHTSA study concluded that people are 80% more likely to be involved in accidents if they eat while operating a motor vehicle. Keep yourself and others safe by waiting until you’re home to eat.
Choose the Right Vehicle Color
Did you know that the color of your vehicle can influence your likelihood of being involved in a car accident? For example, it’s been found that black cars are most likely to be involved in accidents, as they can be very difficult to spot, particularly at night.
Grey cars also tend to be involved in a higher-than-average number of accidents because they can blend in with fog and the road. Even blue cars are involved in accidents at a fairly high rate because they blend in with the color of the sky.
Research indicates the safest color of car to drive is white. Yellow and orange also tend to be fairly safe. Keep this in mind the next time you purchase a vehicle.
Check Weather Reports
Before going for a long drive, check the weather report. If inclement weather is on its way, and you can justify not driving until it passes, strongly consider waiting it out. If you must drive in hazardous weather conditions, at least adjust your driving habits accordingly.
Drive During the Day
It’s been consistently found that the risk of being involved in a car accident is twice as high when driving at night compared to driving during the day. To as much of a degree as possible, avoid driving at night.
Know the Area
In any given town, city, or state, there are some roads and intersections where accidents happen at a higher rate. Learn which intersections and roads are most dangerous in all areas where you’ll be driving, and try to plan routes that allow you to bypass them accordingly.
Again, none of this is meant to replace basic common sense. You still need to obey the law when driving. You can simply minimize your chances of being involved in an accident by applying the tips here. If you ever are involved in an accident that you believe someone else caused, review your case with a personal injury attorney to determine if you have grounds to seek compensation.
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