Car Safety To prevent Auto Accidents

Many vehicle accidents are caused by operator error. Car safety is important to prevent accidents. By changing the behaviors that lead to car accidents, drivers can be proactive and do their part to reduce injuries on the roads. Here are five tips from our Utah car accident attorneys to prevent car accidents:

1. Pay attention.

Driving a car is not a passive activity! You have to watch the road and the circumstances around you. Allowing yourself to be diverted by a phone, food, and even children runs counter to every rule of driving: you cannot circumvent a risk if you don’t see it coming. Unfortunately, many people overestimate their ability to drive blind. Failing to pay attention causes thousands of injuries each year.

2. Don’t drive in a state of distraction.

Even without electronics, it can still be all too easy to drive in a state of mental distraction — with anxiety, exhaustion, anger, etc. Be sure that you’re in the right state of mind before driving a vehicle. It’s okay to take time for yourself to center yourself before you get behind the wheel.

3. Don’t be too trusting of other drivers.

Being wary of other drivers is also called driving defensively. It’s better to be safe than to be right – don’t assume that others on the road are going to do it correctly – even if you have the right of way. It’s up to you — not posted rules — to guarantee your safety on the road by watching out for rogue drivers.

4. Take stock of your environment.

There are circumstances in your environment that can impact your safety on the roads. Inclement driving conditions such as fog, freezing rain, blinding sunlight, and dust may add to the challenges of a journey. Road construction is another headache waiting in the wings. Debris may be another problem.

Delays are an inevitable part of life. Leave yourself time to adapt to changing circumstances. Take an inventory of the circumstances around you on the road. Choose safety above all.

5. Take care of your car.

A healthy car is a safer car. Your car must be able to stop suddenly, turn on a 90-degree angle and accelerate on-demand if an emergency situation calls for it. Plus, you put yourself in danger if you don’t replace worn tires, watch your vehicle’s suspension, and replenish steering fluid before they impact the reliability of your vehicle. The more steady, manageable, and predictable your car is, the more your prudent driving practices will pay off.