5 Things You Can Do to Avoid Getting into Car Accidents

Road collisions around the world claim 1.35 million lives annually. It's also the eighth leading cause of fatalities worldwide. That's one Top 10 list that no one wants to be part of. 

While there’s no way to eliminate the possibility of getting into a motor vehicle accident, there are things you can do to reduce your risks. Considering the potential for injuries or worse if involved in a motor vehicle accident, you’ll want to know how to stay safe on the road.

Continue reading to see five ways to cut your fender-bender risks.

1. Don’t Drink and Drive

Around three in 10 of all traffic crash deaths in the U.S. involve drunk motorists with blood alcohol content (BAC) levels of 0.08 g/DL or more. Everyone old enough to operate a motor vehicle knows that drinking and driving is a no-no. Driving after consuming too much alcohol will render you incapable of safely operating a car. 

To drive safely, you must have all your wits about you. Sharing the road with other vehicles and pedestrians means taking proper precautions and being responsible. Driving can be hard enough if you’re fully sober. But it’ll be even more difficult if you’re driving under the influence. Accidents can change lives -- sometimes forever. You must also consider risks like death, injury, and property damage.

2. Don’t Drive Too Fast

Another way to reduce your risk of car accidents is to watch your speed. Remember that the posted speed limit is the maximum speed if the weather and road conditions are good. If weather and road conditions are not favorable,  reduce your speed accordingly. You don’t want a situation where it’s hard to react to a dangerous situation on the road simply because you’re traveling at an excessive rate of speed. So, reduce your speed for better safety on the road.

3. Don’t Drive When You’re Exhausted

Did you know driver fatigue factors into around 100,000 collisions, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths each year? The last thing you need is to doze off or fall asleep behind the wheel of your car. You can only imagine the problems that can materialize if you lose consciousness for even a moment. The solution to this problem is simple. If you’re tired, don’t drive. You need to be fully alert when operating a car. Otherwise, you won’t be in any condition to operate a motor vehicle.

4. Don’t Get Distracted

Yet another way to stay safe on the road and avoid car accidents is to avoid distractions. That means don't talk on the phone, text your friends or family, tend to your dog in the front passenger seat, fiddle with the in-dash GPS, or do other things that take your attention off the road.

5. Don’t Skip Maintenance and Repairs

You can prevent many issues by getting maintenance and repairs as required. Vehicle breakdowns or catastrophic failure can lead to some stressful and dangerous situations. Keep your tires properly inflated, get regular oil changes, get your brakes serviced, and do whatever is needed to ensure your vehicle functions properly.

Remember these five points to stay safer on the road. When you’re safer, other people sharing the road with you will be safer as well. Remember that there’s no way to eliminate the possibility of car accidents. There are too many variables you can’t control. But you can lessen your chances of issues. If, despite your best efforts, you face a car accident that leaves you injured, you’ll want to see your doctor and talk to a lawyer to see what legal recourse is available to you. 

Getting the help you need will make it simpler to navigate the difficult post-accident process.