Top Safety Tips To Avoid Accidents

Automobile accidents are an unfortunate part of life. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2006 report, motor vehicle traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 3 through 34. There are things that you can do to avoid an accident, and there are measures that you should be aware of in the event of an accident. If you adhere to several safety tips, you can reduce the probability of something happening to you. Here are some tips that can help reduce your chances of getting into an accident:

1. Get regular checkups: Your car requires regular maintenance and by checking its engine, oil level/pressure, tire pressure, and transmission fluid, you're not only protecting your investment but your future safety.
2. Always wear your seat belt: Seat belts are the most effective safety devices in vehicles today. Being properly restrained can reduce the risk of death and injury by up to 50% for front-seat occupants. Get into the habit of wearing your seat belt whenever you get into your car.
3. Underage drinking and drug use is illegal: Alcohol related accidents kill someone every 31 minutes and injure another every two minutes. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08%. The BAC percentage is the weight of alcohol (in milligrams) per 100 milliliters of blood. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time when driving. This danger also exists when you take drugs and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs can cost you, your license or your life.
4. Limit your night driving. Night time driving is dangerous as many accidents occur at night. The risk of a fatal crash is three times higher at night than in the day for every mile driven. Avoid nighttime driving until you're comfortable driving during the day.
5. Avoid cell phone usage. Put down the cell phone as safe driving requires your full attention. Nearly 80% of car accidents occur when a driver loses attention within three seconds before the crash. In the case of an emergency, you should safely pull to the side of the road before using your cell phones.
6. Avoid road rage. Don't drive when you're angry or emotional. Maintain your cool on the road. You might seriously regret it as road rage is a criminal offense.
7. Don't drive while snacking. Eating and drinking while driving may distract you while you are driving and may cause an accident.
8. Don't drive while tired or sleepy. If you're tired or feel sleepy, pull over to the nearest safe place and take a break. Driving when you're tired is like driving under the influence as you are not in control of your abilities.
9. Don't tailgate: Always stay at least one car length behind the vehicle in front of you. While driving, you should be able to see the back tires of the car in front of you. The more room you can spare the better.
10. Avoid someone's blind spot: It is difficult for drivers to be able to see the area between their side mirror and their rear view mirror. Keep consistent spacing between you and other vehicles.

All content on Accidents.com is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended as legal or medical advice. Please seek advice from a professional on any related topics.

Tags:  Accident Prevention · Car Accidents · Safety and Prevention