4 Tips To Avoid Car Accidents
According to a new study conducted by Finder, Florida made it to the top 10 list of worst drivers in America. The findings state that Florida ranked number 10 in 2020 due to the state’s average percentage of DUIs, uninsured drivers and fatal accidents. The top 10 states with the worst drivers all had one thing in common — their drivers take too many different risks. Therefore, it is possible to prevent car accidents by changing a few things when you’re driving. By driving defensively and being mindful, you may be able to avoid getting into a car accident at all. Here are 4 tips to consider before you get behind the wheel:
- Leave Early
Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents. It may not always be the primary cause of an accident, but it often is an attributing factor. If you have an appointment to make, meeting to attend, or just want to get to the movie in time to see the previews, leave early to allot yourself plenty of time so that you won’t be tempted to drive irresponsibly.
- Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is another common cause of car accidents, right up there with drunk driving. There are several ways to be distracted while driving, and most of them are completely avoidable. One of the most common is texting while driving. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law in 2019 making texting while driving a primary traffic offense in Florida, with a $30 fine for a first offense that routinely climbs to over $100. More importantly, it’s just not safe to text and drive. The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. Nearly 390,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving and 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. Other things to avoid while driving include eating, playing with the radio, talking on your phone, letting your passengers distract you, applying makeup, and any other activities that take your eyes off the road.
- Keep a Safe Distance
Keep your distance from other cars on the road. Even if the car in front of you is driving slowly, figure out a safe way to go around them. Don’t ride up close to them. If they suddenly stop, you may not have enough time to react accordingly and you would be at fault for the ensuing fender bender.
- Stay Aware from Angry & Erratic Drivers
Road rage can lead to serious accidents and altercations that even result in death. Never point fingers, scream at, or threaten other drivers. Furthermore, if you see someone driving in a way that seems like they may be impaired or distracted, it is best to keep your distance from them. Defensive and mindful driving can prevent car accidents caused by careless drivers.
Driving is a privilege and not an entitlement. You must always drive responsibly to prevent harming yourself and others. In the unfortunate event that you get involved in a car accident, make sure to seek the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer right away.
