Buying a new car is always exciting, but you must also understand the responsibilities that come with it. When driving, you must ensure that your passengers are safe, because there is an increased chance of road accidents, especially if you are a new driver. But are there any hacks to prevent these car accidents? The short answer to this question is no. However, that does not indicate that you will always meet accidents when you drive on the road. If you take some cautionary measures, you can prevent these accidents from happening.
“Even seemingly minor automobile accidents can quickly escalate into serious situations, leaving you with hospitalizations, broken bones, and undeserved injuries. On top of that, the mounting bills can add to the stress,” says an accident and injury attorney at Dolinsky Law Group. While getting help from an injury lawyer is a great idea, staying conscious while driving can reduce your chances of accidents. Let’s look at ways to achieve it.
Get Lessons from a Qualified Instructor
Learn to drive from a professional to avoid accidents. You should always believe in your driving skills before you start driving. Because, you are more likely to get into accidents if you don’t, especially if you are a new driver. If you want to learn driving from a close friend or family, make sure that they know how to drive well because if you make mistakes, they can instantly correct you and teach you how to do it properly.
As a new driver, don’t carry too many passengers in your car because they can serve as distractions and create additional pressure on you. That way you will get into accidents more often. Try to drive during the day and not at night. Do it only after you have mastered driving.
Always Buckle Up
Buckling up – or wearing a seatbelt – might seem unnecessary, but it can be the difference between your life and death. Seatbelts protect you from many injuries during a car accident, so even if you don’t like wearing them or feel suffocated, you must build the habit of wearing them whenever you’re driving. At the same time, ensure that the person sitting in your passenger seat also wears their seatbelt to avoid fatal injuries. While you might be safe because of your seatbelt, they might lose their life because they’re not wearing one.
Stay Off Your Phone While Driving
Everyone is on their cell phone nowadays, even when they’re driving, and it’s slowly become one of the major reasons for car accidents. Experts now advise against using cell phones while driving. It’s very easy to get distracted by notifications when you’re carrying your phone. In that case, switch off your phone or turn into flight mode until you reach your destination.
If you use GPS on your phone and need internet access, you can also mute notifications to stay alert while driving. Only check your notifications after reaching your destination.
Attending calls with headphones or the built-in hands-free options can be equally dangerous while driving. Stop your car to take the call if it’s necessary. Otherwise, avoid the call and only call back the person after reaching your destination.
Say No to Drinking and Driving
Believe it or not, drinking and driving is one of the most common reasons for car accidents. Always avoid drinking and driving, especially if you’re a new driver. If you attend a party and want to drink, you should have a friend who can drive you home. Avoid drinking at all costs if you don’t have anyone with you and have to drive yourself home. Drunk driving does not only endanger your life but can also be the reason for the death of innocent pedestrians.
Practice Driving in Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather is another common cause of car accident, and both new and experienced drivers can fall victim to it. Depending on your location, you might get occasional heavy rain, snow, or even thick fog all year round or for a particular season. Learn to drive from an expert so that they can help you understand how to navigate your car during these bad weather. Heavy rain and fog make it difficult for us to see ahead. In that case, always keep your headlights turned on and drive slowly. Avoid tailgating and stay alert to avoid collisions.
Similarly, snow and heavy rain wet the road and can cause your tire to skid and slip. Use your wipers, brakes, and tires properly and test their functionality before you drive in such bad weather conditions. Learn what black ice looks like and avoid driving on them to prevent fatal accidents.
Keep Your Car in Good Shape
And finally, take good care of your car to prevent accidents. If your vehicle is in good shape, it will run well. Take good care of your engine because it ensures the vehicle’s longevity. Test the brakes and tires regularly. Clean the interior of your car as well as your wipers and headlights. The oil, brake fluids, power steering, and transmission should also run properly before you hit the road. The car lights must be functional so that you can alert the people driving on the streets with you. Prepare a car maintenance schedule and stick to it to avoid any accidents due to a malfunctioning vehicle.
Getting a new car is exciting, but you must also be mindful of the lives you’ll be responsible for when you drive on the streets. It’s always a good idea to know about the common causes of car accidents. Taking good care of your car, learning to drive in adverse weather, and maintaining a few cautionary steps can reduce the chances of car accidents by a large margin.
