A car accident sometimes cannot be avoided. But, there are a few things you can do to best keep yourself out of harms way. There is no predicting an accident, but you do have the ability to follow these simple steps that might help you keep yourself and your car out of harms way.
Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident: Quick Ways to Have a Safe Trip
Look twice when pulling out from a stop sign
While this one might seem obvious, a lot of people don’t take the time to do it! Not to mention, a lot of people aren’t too great at managing a stop sign when there are multiple cars involved. The easiest rule to follow: whoever came to a full stop first, goes first. This continues from one layer of cars to the other. But, when you’re all by yourself— it is easy to take that stop sign lightly. But it is illegal to roll a stop sign. Not to mention, you’re putting yourself in danger of someone else doing the same thing without paying attention.
Take a second after the green light
I know, I know— that dreaded and annoying honk from behind the second the light changes can be the most hair-pulling moment of your drive. We’re not saying sit there forever, or even for a few seconds. Just take your foot off the break slowly, and apply the gas slowly too. You and I have both seen it plenty of times. The light will turn green and there are still two or three cars shooting their way across. Giving the intersection a quick second to clear out can be the difference between an accident or that person just getting a ticket for impatience as you go about your day.
Mind those large trucks on the highway
While they should be superior drivers, and believe me— they are. They cannot always see you from where you’re sitting. Their blind spots are much larger than that of your everyday vehicle. They also can’t see you when you’re following too closely. Knowing your way around a tractor trailer, not cutting them off, and not following too closely can be a huge safety precaution for you. Because, ultimately, a crash with a tractor trailer will usually only be a very, very bad accident for you.
Mind your blind spots as you change lanes
Everyone thinks they do, but we aren’t always perfect, especially in high-traffic, high-speed situations. If you are going 75 on the highway and pull into the next lane without checking your blind spots, the potential for a car accident is extremely high. Know your surroundings. Checking them regularly. Doing these few things can work wonders in making sure that you do not cause an accident or become part of one.