Preventing Accidents Before They Happen

Automobile accidents cause thousands of injuries and deaths every year. Sadly, many of these accidents are the result of human error and could have easily been avoided. To stay safe on the road, you need to avert problems before they happen. Consider some of the following defensive driving tips:

• Stay off your phone. Operating a cell phone while driving can be very dangerous. If you must use your phone, make sure you have a headset and never text. Recent studies show that texting is just as dangerous as drinking while driving.
• Minimize lane changes. It is common for accidents to occur during lane changes. The less frequently you change lanes, the less likely you will be in an accident.
• Maintain your vehicle. Always make sure your vehicle has been inspected and is functioning properly. Check your headlights and taillights before driving at night. Never drive on worn tires.
• Don’t follow too closely. Give yourself a good amount of distance between your car and the car in front of you. If you have to make an emergency stop, you want to have plenty of space.
• Know the weather. Make allowances for slippery road conditions by driving more slowly and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Liability — admittedly of secondary importance to safety — requires a driver to take into account the prevailing weather conditions. It is not enough to attribute a skid, for example, to icy conditions; you would need to show that your driving took those conditions into account if you are to avoid liability.