Knowing what causes automobile accidents helps you avoid them. Defensive driving is important to ensure you avoid being hit by someone else. It is also crucial that you pay attention to motorcycle riders, bicycle riders, and pedestrians. Always leave in plenty of time to get to your destination to avoid the need to rush. Stay relaxed behind the wheel, calm, and avoid all of the following things.
Distracted Driving
Most automobile incidents are caused by distracted driving. Someone is texting, eating, putting on her makeup, or shaving his beard. The importance of turning off your cell phone notifications the minute you get behind the wheel cannot be overstated. Even if your phone connects to your car and you can talk hands-free, talking on the phone can distract you, especially if the conversation is a heated or intense one. Avoid eating and drinking behind the wheel, tell the kids to be quiet, and turn down your music if it is distracting you. You must focus on the road when you have control of an automobile.
Driving While Intoxicated
You have heard this before, but it bears repeating: Even one beer, one glass of wine, or one cocktail can impair your driving. In addition, if you live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, consumption of such will impair your driving. If you are going out with friends and plan to drink or take recreational drugs, take a rideshare to and from the location. Do not drive your vehicle. The number one cause of fatal accidents is driving while intoxicated. There is no excuse for it. Do not drink and drive or take drugs and drive. You must be sober and alert when, again, you are in control of an automobile.
Aggressive Driving
Even if you are good about calling a taxi, you can also get into an accident if you drive aggressively. In fact, your chances of an accident are increased substantially if you have a problem with aggressive driving and/or road rage. Aggressive driving includes speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, chasing after someone, losing your temper behind the wheel, and flying through yellow lights among other poor driving. As we mentioned in the intro to this blog post, it is crucial that you always give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Also, make certain you aren’t too tired to drive.
Finally, you cannot avoid inclement weather, but you can slow down and drive carefully. We recommend you do this to avoid a weather-related accident.
