Obtaining a driver’s license as soon as it’s legally available is often considered a rite of passage for many. However, with that small piece of laminated plastic comes great responsibility. Not only do you have to keep everyone in your vehicle safe, but you also have a responsibility to prevent accidents and injury to others sharing the road with you.
Following these tips is essential to ensure you reach your destination as safely as possible.
Understanding the Common Causes of Car Accidents
The first step in preventing driving accidents is understanding their primary causes. Throughout the country, including Clarksville, the top cause of car accidents is distracted driving. A driver’s inability to pay attention to the roadway can lead to a collision, whether it’s due to texting, distractions from passengers, or observing the surrounding area.
Speeding and driving while under the influence are the other top causes of driving accidents. Reaction times are reduced under both conditions, often resulting in collisions and it’s happening more and more across the United States. For example, an averagely populated town like Clarksville, TN saw 600 accidents per month in 2022.
Clarksville car accident attorneys are seeing an uptick in accidents throughout the area and state, resulting in personal injury and even fatalities. By practicing safe driving, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe, no matter how long your trip is.
Top Tips for Preventing a Car Accident
Staying safe while driving doesn’t need to be challenging. These essential tips will ensure you and your passengers arrive at your destination without incident.
1. Obey Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are implemented for a reason—they keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. Because of this, it’s crucial to follow all rules and regulations when driving anywhere.
Whether it’s a stop sign, speed limit, or school zone, following the posted rules will keep all occupants of your vehicle safe from harm. In addition, everyone sharing the road with you will also be safe.
2. Avoid All Distractions
In many cases, distractions are bound to happen. However, when you proactively prepare for those you can control, you’ll set yourself up for success. Consider everything that could be a problem before you set off for your destination.
Connect your phone to your Bluetooth device, or put it out of sight if you don’t have one. Additionally, ensure all your car’s settings are where you want them before you leave your parking spot.
3. Don’t Follow Closely
Things can happen in a flash of a second. Whether you’re headed to the beach for a family vacation or driving to work, the person in front of you may suddenly come to a complete stop, leaving you limited time to react.
If you’re following too closely, you could easily be involved in a car accident. Instead, maintain a minimum of two car lengths between you and the person in front of you to ensure you have enough time to stop in case of an emergency.
4. Practice Defensive Driving
It’s important to note that you’re in control of your own actions, not those of other drivers. Because of this, you should always drive defensively. This practice will keep you aware of what other drivers are doing, where other vehicles are in relation to you, and if any obstacles are approaching.
You’ll remain focused on the road before you and should develop a contingency plan if a hazard appears in your path. You can help compensate for the potential negligence of other drivers.
5. Never Drive Under the Influence
As a driver, you have experience with the many things that can happen when driving five minutes to the local store under normal conditions. Consuming alcohol, pain medicine, or other mind-altering substances can dramatically impact your ability to control your vehicle and follow all safety regulations.
Because of this, you should never drive under the influence. These substances can negatively impact your ability to make sound judgment calls and respond quickly to hazards.
6. Drive According to Weather Demands
You’ll also need to adjust your driving to meet the demands of the weather. For instance, if there is low visibility due to a severe storm, you may need to drive below the speed limit. If needed, don’t hesitate to pull off the road until conditions clear up, making it safer for you and the other occupants of your vehicle to continue your trip.
During times of inclement weather, it’s even more important to adhere to all driving laws, especially those related to speeding. In heavy rain, it can be incredibly difficult to stop your vehicle in the same distance as in dry conditions.
Conclusion
Having the freedom to drive yourself wherever you want to go can be completely liberating. However, it comes with the responsibility to keep everyone in your car and those sharing the road with you safe.
These safe driving tips will make your journey enjoyable, whether across the country or to the grocery store.
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