Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day across the world. Statistics show that about 1.35 million people die in car crashes each year worldwide and around 50 million people end up being severely hurt or disabled after a car accident.
Even if a car accident does end up fatally, being involved in one can still be extremely traumatic, painful, costly, and time-consuming. Driving safely can go a long way in keeping you, your family, and your friends safe. Although accidents cannot always be predicted and prevented, there are still certain tips that can be taken into consideration to avoid them.
Below, we share some of our best tips on preventing unfortunate car accidents and avoiding sustaining injuries, facing financial struggles, and experiencing emotional turmoil.
Wear a Seat Belt
The seat belt saves lives, regardless of whether you travel in the front or back seat of a car, in a taxi, or a bus. A properly fastened seat belt keeps a person in their seat and prevents them from being thrown against the hard inner parts of the car in the event of a collision. A three-point belt going from the shoulder across the chest and hip is the most common type of seat belt.
Buckling up should be second nature and a natural habit whenever getting into a vehicle. Not only does it keep you in place during impact, protecting you against serious injuries, but it also keeps you from receiving a traffic ticket and a fine for not wearing it, ending up with a violation on your driving record.
In addition, refusing to wear a seat belt and getting traffic tickets can skyrocket your auto insurance rates since you’ll be considered a high-risk driver. In some cases, your policy can even be canceled.
You should also know that regardless of whose fault it is, an insurance policy may have a clause stating that you will not be reimbursed for personal injury and vehicles damages if proven that you weren’t wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Stay Visible on the Road
Using quality lighting is essential when stepping into your vehicle and hitting the road. Automotive lighting, which refers to all the lights on the vehicle, will make it easier for you to see things on the road and alert other drivers as well.
Depending on what type of vehicle you’re operating and whether it’s for personal or professional use, additional light may be required to make yourself more visible on the road. For instance, safety lights for work truck are critical if you wish to provide a warning of a hazard or bring the urgency of your journey to attention to other oncoming vehicles on the road. These emergency lights can be in the form of a beacon or a light bar, a wig-wag light, or hide-away lights that bring visibility to drivers and allow time to change lanes, slowing traffic and reducing the danger of collision.
Automotive lighting significantly contributes to preventing car accidents, especially at night so make sure to learn more about different car lights and understand the importance of regular vehicle light checks and maintenance.
Don’t Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol
Even a small amount of alcohol in the blood impairs the ability to drive and increases the risk of accidents. Drunk driving with a motor vehicle is considered a serious crime and comes with strict punishment. Drinking and driving is called driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) and refers to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level of at least 0.08 percent.
Even a small blood alcohol level can lead to harmful situations and some drivers might not even show any warning signs of being under the influence but can pose serious risks to traffic safety.
If you or a close one has been involved in an alcohol-related car crash, we advise you to immediately contact an attorney with extensive experience investigating and filing lawsuits in drunk driver cases. Look for the services of a personal injury law firm like Easton & Easton, LLP to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you are entitled to after such a traumatic experience. Seeking legal counsel, being prepared, and knowing your rights will help you navigate through the process in a much easier and stress-free way.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Distraction involves a shift of attention from driving due to the road user temporarily focusing on an object, person, task, or event that has nothing to do with the actual driving and traffic, which reduces their mental presence, decision-making, and driving performance. This leads to an increased risk of incidents or accidents.
Everyone makes the occasional phone call or munch on snacks while driving and although it may not seem like the biggest deal, every day about 8 people in the United States are killed in crashes in accidents that involve someone being distracted.
In Closing
All traffic participants can be involved in a devastating car accident. However, by being more aware of your surroundings and actions, you can reduce the risk of a car accident occurring on the road.
By buckling up, avoiding being distracted behind the wheel by a cell phone, and never driving under the influence, you will avoid putting yourself and others in harm’s way.
