How To Avoid Car Accidents
Don't tailgateAlways 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. If you're traveling at a higher speed, maintain a further distance, enough so that you can see its side mirrors. The general rule is, the more you can spare, the better.
If you're the one being tailgated, don't slam on the brakes to try to teach the guy a lesson. Why run the risk of him hitting you? The best policy is to signal to him to go around; the further away you are from him, the better. He'll eventually get the message.
Don't remain in someone's blind spotMost drivers can't see in the area between their side mirror and their rear view mirror, which is why you're supposed to swivel your head before changing lanes. Sitting in that blind spot is the equivalent of begging for an accident. Instead, remember to keep consistent spacing between you and other vehicles.
Don't assume that trucks drive like carsIt's never a good idea to cut in front of any vehicle, but when it's a truck, you're running a serious risk. As trucks are so much bigger, they need much more room to stop than your typical car. You're not likely to survive a collision with a truck, so keep your distance and respect their power.
Don't play loud musicDriving requires the use of your ears as well as your eyes. You should be able to hear the other cars and the traffic, especially sirens. With loud music on, you deprive yourself of a critical tool.
Don't fool aroundYou've seen it in movies a thousand times, and you may have even tried it with your own lady once or twice. But fooling around while driving is just plain stupid. You want the blood circulating in your other head so you can react quickly.
Don't drive when you're tiredIf you're dead tired but really need to drive, take a quick nap beforehand. Drive with your window open. Have an energy drink or coffee (as many as you need). Driving when you're tired is like driving under the influence — you're not in total control of your abilities. Avoid it.
Don't commit intersection errorsA modern intersection can be a dangerous place. Cars can move in eight different directions, counting the turn arrows. You'll want to proceed with an abundance of caution. Make a complete stop, look in all directions and give the proper right of way. Also, don't rush to get off at the green light; there may be another car running to beat the red light in the other direction.
If you know about a stop sign that people frequently run, factor that information into your driving habits. Proceed with more caution at those intersections close to home, where you know people have a tendency to be cavalier.
Don't give in to road rageDon't drive when you're angry or emotional. The road can be a stressful place and road rage is a real problem — plus, you never know how the other guy will react. You may be mad, but you don't want to spend your day talking to the cops.
drive safeIt's easy to forget that driving is serious business. Too often we think of our car as just a toy. It's more than that. A car is a dangerous object that must be used appropriately and with caution at all times.
By remembering that driving is a job and a responsibility, you'll keep yourself from falling victim to the bad habits that cause most accidents.