Whether you have been involved in an accident behind the wheel or not, you need to know that danger is just around the corner. You can only do so much when it comes to avoiding accidents, and it takes two to collide. To make sure that you are aware of the risks you and others might take when hitting the car, below you will find a complete list of the most common causes of accidents, so you can work on your advanced driving skills and learn to avoid dangerous situations.
Using the Road as a Racetrack
Reckless driving is responsible for several accidents. Even if you think that you know every bend on the road, you can miscalculate your maneuvers and cause an accident. You need to look out for drivers who are trying to dangerously overtake you, so you can avoid accidents. If you suffer an accident that is not your fault, get in touch with https://www.derricklawfirm.com/ to find out what you are entitled to a compensation for your injuries. If you spot a dangerous driver, make sure that you report them to the police before they would put someone else in danger.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol can reduce people’s ability to focus, concentrate, and react to situations. While alcohol affects everyone differently, it is a major cause of road collisions. While you might not drive drunk, it is also your responsibility to prevent your friends to get behind the wheel after having a drink. Be responsible and keep everyone safe. Plan your nights out, and have a designated driver who will stay off alcohol, so you all arrive home safely.
Lack of Planning
Planning ahead has a lot to do with staying safe on the road. You will have to let other drivers know that you are going to change lanes or cross their path. If you are not planning your route, and are in a rush, you are more likely to lose concentration, make bad decisions, and endanger yourself, your passengers, and other road users. Learn the road layouts and always stay in the right lane for your destination, so you can avoid dangerous maneuvers.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
While you might be thinking about people taking recreational drugs causing accidents, sometimes, you might not know that the medication you are taking impacts your judgment behind the wheel. You will have to consult with your doctor before taking any pills prescribed, and make your own judgment, as well. If you are feeling unwell of experience side effects, you should stay safe and avoid operating machinery or driving a car. You should also check whether taking the medication with other pills is safe.
Ignoring Road Signs
Some people are not able to see the road signs, or simply ignore them. You might think that there is no reason for the lights to be on red, and you risk going through, thinking that there is nothing coming. If your vision is restricted, or there is a car approaching fast, you will be at fault when you collide. Look out for lights changing before you approach a junction, so you can always stop safely. If you suspect that the traffic lights are going to change soon, check in your rearview mirror if it is safe to stop.
Ignoring Speed Limits
There are some drivers who believe that speed limits are simply bureaucracy, and they serve no purpose whatsoever. There is always a reason for speed limits, and just because you don’t see the danger, it doesn’t mean there isn’t one. There might be roadworks ahead you cannot yet see, or a broken down car. As you never know what is around the bend, take extra care when there are temporary traffic lights and speed restrictions.
Distractions
Whether you are getting bombarded by text messages while driving, or have unruly kids at the back, you need to learn how to deal with distractions while driving. It is important that you keep your phone out of reach when on a road trip, so you don’t get tempted. If you have a hands-free set, you should learn to operate the touch screen and the buttons before you head out for a road trip, so you can safely operate the console while driving.
Tailgating
Not keeping the recommended following distance can also reduce your ability to stop in time. Whether you are stuck on the highway in peak traffic, or are following a slow truck, you have to leave a large enough gap to stop. When it is raining or snowing, or you might come across black ice on the road, also during a foggy morning, your visibility will be reduced, so it will take you longer to spot cars, pedestrians, and other moving objects, so you need to increase your following distance. In some cases, people will follow you closely, and you might feel uncomfortable driving, but make sure that you deal with this in a safe way.
Tire Problems
If you drive in the summer on winter tires or vice versa, your traction on the road will be compromised. At the same time, your brakes will not work as well as they should. Always inspect your tires, and look out for bulges, cuts, and uneven wear. When your tires are worn, you will be more likely to slip and slide into other cars when braking. Uneven wear on tires can also indicate that your tracking is not right, and you cannot maneuver your car as well as you want to.
Staying safe on the road should be your first priority at all times. While you cannot prevent other drivers and road users from taking a risk, you can learn how to anticipate their next moves and pay attention to what is going on while driving. Keep an eye on your car, and stay back from other cars. Don’t engage in road rage or races, and learn how to deal with distractions behind the wheel to keep yourself and your passengers safe and avoid accidents.
