There is never a good time to have a car accident, and finding yourself in even a minor fender bender will ruin your day. Beyond the inconvenience of not getting to where you were going that day, you will then need to face insurance companies, auto repairs, possible medical visits, and in the months or years ahead, the likelihood of raised insurance rates, which will be a constant reminder of that car accident.
While some car accidents can’t be avoided, you can prevent many of them if you observe these best practices and avoid doing the things that cause the bulk of most auto accidents today.
1. Make Sure the Vehicle is in Good Condition
Keeping up with your car maintenance isn’t just important for preventing an unexpected breakdown on the highway, but it can also help you avoid accidents.
Of course, you should always be sure to check and maintain the fluid levels, but it is also important to be aware of the brakes and tires which will ensure you can stop abruptly when needed and avoid many potential accidents.
If you are purchasing a new car, you can look for features such as electronic stability control which reduce the danger of skidding or back-up cameras, which can help you avoid fender benders.
2. Make Sure the Driver is in Good Condition
While most of us understand the importance of keeping their vehicle in road-worthy shape, many don’t pay attention to their physical or mental state before driving, which often plays a much larger role in accidents.
Not only is it important that you have regular eye exams to ensure you can see properly while driving, but you should also consider things like the medications you are taking which may induce drowsiness. And always be sure that you have gotten plenty of sleep before getting behind the wheel, especially at night, because drowsy driving can be almost as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
3. Avoid Distractions
There has always existed the possibility of distracted driving, whether it is due to fiddling with the stereo, trying to calm rambunctious kids in the backseat, or doing your makeup while driving, but there has been a huge uptick in distracted driving accidents in recent years thanks to cellphones.
It may be tempting to read that email or text message while driving, but avoid doing so. Not only is it illegal to text and drive throughout the state of Texas (and many other states), but it is extremely dangerous and significantly raises the odds of being involved in an accident.
4. Drive Defensively
We’ve talked mostly about ways to avoid causing an accident, but all the points above tie into this last tip for avoiding accidents: drive defensively.
You should always be mindful of, and keep an eye out for, what others are doing around you, because even if your car is in good working order, you are well rested, and you aren’t on your cellphone, it doesn’t mean that the car in the incoming lane is following these best practices.
Maintain your distance from other cars to allow plenty of reaction time, be sure to regularly check mirrors and blind spots, and always check for cars while stopped at an intersection before driving through.
These are just a few tips and ways to avoid wrecks while on the road, but unfortunately you may still one day find yourself involved in a car accident. If you’ve been involved in an accident in Texas that was no fault of your own, then you should be sure to contact the experienced auto accident and car wreck lawyers at Fears Nachawati.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation legal consultation by calling (866) 705-7584 or visiting one of our offices located throughout the great state of Texas, including in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin.