While some auto accidents are inevitable, the best way to stay out of a car wreck is to practice good driving habits. Avoid these mistakes when making your next driving excursion, even if it’s just a quick errand.
Failure to come to a complete stop
Come to a complete stop each time that you approach a stop sign. Look both ways before entering the intersection. This is especially vital at a four-way intersection where accidents are more likely to occur.
Driving drowsy
Never get behind the wheel if you are fatigued. Drowsy drivers cause 33% of all accidents. If you have been awake for 18 or 19 hours, then studies show that it can have the same effect on your driving as drinking three beers.
Texting and driving
Put your phone away when driving and never try to text and drive at the same time. Pull completely off the road if a text message is so urgent that you must send it immediately. Even using a system in your car that reads text messages to you can be dangerous because your attention becomes divided.
Drunk driving
Even one drink is too many, so do not drink and drive. You’ll keep yourself and others on the road safe if you get a ride home after drinking.
Following too close
It takes longer than you think to bring your car to a stop when the driver in front of you suddenly brakes. Generally, it takes 1.2 seconds to realize that a car ahead of you has stopped. Then, it takes 5.9 seconds to stop if the road is flat and the conditions are dry.
Even if you follow all these safe driving tips, there’s no guarantee that others on the road will. If you are a victim of an auto accident caused by the negligence of another motorist, a lawyer may be able to help.