  |
.. |
Top Ways to Avoid an Auto Accident
by: Jason G Epstein
1. Eliminate all driving distractions. Distracted driving is blamed for 80% of traffic accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Adiministration. Anything from cell phones to singing can significantly interfere with your ability to focus on the road ahead
| 2. Avoid the left lane. According to research, most collisions happen in the left lane of a freeway. The left lane provides limited options for escape in case of an accident while the middle or right lane gives you more options. You are also more likely to receive a ticket when driving in the fast lane. 3. Survey the road ahead. Try to keep an eye on the 3 or 4 cars ahead of you rather than only the car directly in front of you. This way you know what to expect and will be able to react more efficiently in case of emergency. |
4. Keep your hands on the wheel. Grip the steering wheel at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. This will give you greater control of your vehicle, making it easier to maneuver in tough situations.
5. Check your blind spots. Make sure you always know what's happening in your blind spots. Changing lanes without checking your blind spots is an easy way to have a collision.
6. Beware of intersections. Unsurprisingly, a large number of accidents occur at intersections. Try to slow down and watch out for changing lights and pedestrians. Do not slam on the gas the minute the light turns green- make sure to watch for other drivers running red lights.
7. Judge a driver by the look of their vehicle. This may sound superficial, but you really can tell a lot about another driver just by looking at their car. Heavy body damage could signify a reckless driver.
8. Know your car's limits. Know what your car can and can't do, so you can better react to road conditions. If you know your car's breaks don't stop on a dime- increase your following distance. If your car is not fast enough to pull in front of a vehicle- wait until it is safe.
9. Keep your vehicle maintained. I have seen many car accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions. Get regular tune-ups to ensure your car is fit for the road. Some malfunctions you may not even be aware of- so make sure you regularly read any information mailed to you about your car and pay attention to recalls on your vehicle.
10. Avoid nighttime driving. Lower visibility and a higher drunk-driving rate make the roads particularly dangerous after hours.
About The Author
Jason Epstein is a Seattle car accident attorney and Washington motorcycle accident lawyer. Visit his website at http://www.straighttalklaw.com
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_4212.shtml