Driving to work or traveling daily on busy roads can be a stressful experience, especially when considering the potential risks of being involved in a car accident. Traffic jams, aggressive drivers and unexpected delays can all test your patience.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s important to remember that your car is a powerful machine, and driving requires focus and attention. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of being involved in an accident and help ensure a safer journey to and from your destination.
Be a master of defensive driving
Defensive driving is a proactive approach that anticipates hazards and prepares you to react safely to them. A good practice to adopt is always maintaining a safe following distance. This gives you more time to react if the car in front of you slows down suddenly.
You should also minimize distractions and avoid multi-tasking while behind the wheel. Put your phone away, silence notifications and avoid eating or grooming while driving. This way, you can focus all your attention on the road and the actions of other drivers.
It also helps a great deal to scan your surroundings rather than just look straight ahead. Regularly check your mirrors and blind spots to be aware of what’s happening around you. Most importantly, be a predictable driver by signaling well in advance of lane changes and turns and avoid erratic maneuvers.
Be weather wise
Weather conditions can drastically impact driving safety. Therefore, you should adjust your commute accordingly. For instance, you should slow down and increase your following distance in rainy weather. Also, be aware of hydroplaning risks, especially in standing water.
When the weather is foggy, use low-beam headlights and maintain a very safe following distance. Avoid passing other vehicles unless it’s absolutely necessary. Lastly, when there’s snow and ice on the road, if possible, delay your commute until road crews have cleared the way. If you must drive, go slow and be extra cautious when braking and turning.
By following these tips and adopting a defensive driving mindset, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. But remember, other drivers’ behavior on the road can still get you involved in a crash. Should this happen, consider working with an experienced legal team to pursue compensation for your injuries.
