Preventing car accidents may seem like a matter of common sense, but the 10.2 million motor vehicle accidents reported in 2008 by the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that many drivers could improve their skills on the road.
Fortunately, CNA Insurance has provided us with the following defensive driving tips to help you learn how to prevent car accidents and remain safe on the road:
- Gradual stops – Rear-end collisions can be avoided through gradual stops. These car accidents are often caused by drivers stopping suddenly, leaving the drivers behind them unable to stop in time to prevent a collision. Next time you feel yourself stopping suddenly to avoid missing a turn, take your foot off the brake and allow yourself to drive past the turn. Remember—driving several minutes out of your way is better than losing countless hours of your time dealing with car repairs and potential injuries resulting from a car accident.
- Scanning ahead – Simply being alert can be your best strategy on the road. By paying close attention to the traffic situation, from pedestrian activity to both moving and parked vehicles, you will be prepared to adjust your driving speed or even come to a complete stop.
- Safe following distances – Many of us are guilty of following too closely behind the driver in front of us, whether we are running late for work, or are simply frustrated that the other driver is traveling 10 m.p.h. below the speed limit. However, maintaining a safe following distance is often an overlooked strategy that can prevent front- and rear-end collisions. Using a fixed object like a speed limit sign as a resource will help you maintain this distance—when the vehicle in front of you passes the sign, at least three seconds should pass before you drive by it. It’s better to be stuck behind a slow driver than to deal with the financial and sometimes physical burden that result from a car accident.
Aside from defending yourself from other dangerous drivers, it’s also important to avoid putting your own safety at risk by falling victim to driving distractions that lead to one-vehicle car accidents. Although cell phone use may represent the most recent driving danger that populates our news, falling asleep while driving is the tragically fatal distraction that has troubled drivers for decades. It’s crucial to remain fully alert behind the wheel, and the following tips will help prevent you from dozing while driving:
- Make sure you are sitting erect at the wheel, and try rolling down the window to admit cool, fresh air into the vehicle.
- Stopping for coffee may help, but avoid resorting to stronger stimulants that can cause unpleasant side effects.
- Apply cold water or an ice cube wrapped in cloth to your face and neck to help you wake up.
- If accompanied by a passenger, take turns driving.
- Pull over and complete several stretches or even jog briskly along the side of the road. Although they may be less traditional solutions, these exercises can awaken your mind as well as your muscles.
- Pull over and sleep. Sometimes sleep is the only cure for drowsiness, and adding an hour to your trip to take a rejuvenating power nap is worth it to avoid risking your safety on the road.
When it comes to car accidents, the best advice of all is to be prepared with car insurance. Having auto insurance may not prevent car accidents themselves, but it will certainly help reduce your stress and cover the cost of repairs. At Eaton & Berube Insurance, your safety is our first priority. For additional safety tips and insurance information, please subscribe to our blog or contact us.
To request a free personal or business NH auto insurance quote, please call us at 603-882-2766 or submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.