Avoid Common Road Accidents With These Tips

No one ever expects to be in a car accident, but unfortunately, they happen all too often. In fact, there are millions of them every year in the United States. Many of these accidents could be avoided if people took the time to learn about and follow some basic safety tips. In this article, you will learn about the most common causes of road accidents and ways that you can avoid them.

Drive Defensively

People who drive recklessly and are in a hurry are the main causes of road accidents in the state of Maryland. In fact, if you ask any car accident lawyer working in Baltimore, they’ll tell you that there’s little chance of you not being held accountable in these situations. That’s why strategic and defensive driving is essential for road safety.

Always keep your distance from the car in front of you, and never tailgate. In case of a sudden stop, you’ll need that space to brake without hitting the car in front of you.

If there’s an obstruction on the road ahead, for example, a broken-down vehicle or debris, be prepared to take evasive action. Swerving into another lane may be the best option, but only if there’s room to do so safely.

Be especially vigilant when driving in bad weather conditions. Rain, sleet, and snow can make driving more hazardous, so take your time and drive cautiously.

If you’re traveling with passengers, keep them informed of what you’re doing and where you’re going. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are facing legal action due to a road accident, it is important to seek the help of a reputable lawyer who specializes in car accidents. Not only will this lawyer have knowledge and experience in dealing with such cases but can provide valuable guidance and representation. Plus, having a lawyer on your side can help ease the stress and burden of navigating through the legal process.

Check Your Fluid Levels

You have to keep your car in perfect condition, and that means that you always need to check the fluid levels. Checking the oil, brake fluid, and other liquids is a basic part of car maintenance, and it can help you avoid common road accidents.

If your car isn’t getting the fluids it needs, it can start to malfunction. The engine might overheat, or the brakes might not work as well as they should. By checking on these fluids regularly, you’ll be able to catch any problems before they become bigger issues.

It’s also important to remember that different types of fluid need to be checked at different intervals. Oil usually needs to be changed every few thousand miles, while brake fluid should be flushed every year or two (depending on how often you drive). So make sure you know when each type of check is due, and mark it on your calendar so you don’t forget.

Keeping your car in good condition is important for your safety, as well as the safety of everyone around you. Make sure to check the fluid levels regularly, and you’ll be able to avoid many common road accidents.

Make Sure All The Electronics Work Fine

There are a lot of electronics you need to keep intact in your car for it to run smoothly. Making sure all of these work fine can help avoid common road accidents. The ones you should be checking on frequently are the following:

• The engine: making sure the oil is at the right level, that there are no leaks, and that all belts and hoses are in good condition.
  The brakes: checking for wear on the brake pads and making sure the fluid levels are correct.
• Tires: making sure they have enough air and aren’t worn down too much. Also, be aware of what type of terrain you will be driving on (e.g., snow vs rain).
• Windows wipers and fluids: testing to see if they work properly and refilling them when necessary.
• Lights: making sure all lights function. These include headlights, taillights, turn signals, etc.
• The battery: making sure there is no corrosion on the terminals and that it’s charged up.
• The horn: making sure this works so you can alert other drivers when something goes wrong with your vehicle or someone else’s car ahead of you in traffic jams like those caused by road accidents.

Check The Tire Pressure

Your tires always need to be properly inflated so that they can function properly. If they are not, it could cause the car to hydroplane and lose control on a wet road or even blow out at high speeds. You should always check your tire pressure once a week and before long trips if you want to avoid common road accidents.

You can easily do this by checking with your car manual for what PSI (pounds per square inch) is recommended for your vehicle’s tires. Then either uses an air gauge to manually measure the pressure of each tire or go through a gas station’s air pump machine to automatically inflate each one as needed. There will be information on how much air needs to go in each tire depending on its size so do not forget to check the pressure of your spare tire as well!

Avoid All Distractions

Your eyes need to be on the road at all times when you’re driving. That means avoiding all distractions, whether it’s looking at your phone, eating or drinking, or even talking to passengers.

Studies have shown that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds can increase your chances of getting in a car accident by up to 20%. Even if you think you’re capable of multitasking while driving, it’s best not to take the risk. Anything that takes your focus away from the road is just too dangerous.

There are plenty of other things you can do while driving instead of using your hands and eyes. You can listen to music, talk on the phone (hands-free), or listen to audiobooks or podcasts. Just make sure that whatever you’re doing doesn’t require too much attention and that you can still easily see and react to what’s happening on the road.

Never Drive Under The Influence

One of the most dangerous things you can do while driving is to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only are you putting your life at risk, but you’re also risking the lives of everyone else on the road.

There are countless stories of people who have been killed or seriously injured because of a drunk driver. In fact, according to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), nearly 29 people in the United States die every day because of drunk driving crashes. What’s more, even if you never get into an accident or crash your car, there are other ways that alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely.

Car accidents are common in all parts of the world, so you should do your best not to contribute to them. Drive defensively and make sure your car is in good condition by checking the fluids, electronics, as well as tire pressure. You also need to avoid all distractions while you’re behind and never drive under the influence. Stay safe!