How to Prevent Car Accidents

In the United States, over 80% of adults operate a motor vehicle multiple times per week. For most, the daily commute to and from work and school happens inside of a motor vehicle. In 2021, the United States was home to 232,781,797 licensed drivers who are estimated to have driven a combined total of over three trillion miles.

It is further estimated, that licensed drivers in the United States will spend an average of 17,600 minutes driving every year. With all this time spent in the car, it is not surprising that 77% of U.S. drivers have been in at least one accident. While accidents cannot be completely stopped altogether, they may be prevented if people practice conscientious driving and observe all of the traffic rules and regulations.

Practices to Follow to Prevent Car Accidents:

1. Stop Distracted Driving: Distracted driving may include talking or texting on a cellphone, looking at something that is not on the road, eating, drinking, or searching for something on the GPS or radio.
2. Do not Drive While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: If you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs you should never operate a motor vehicle. Instead, you can choose a designated driver to take you home, call a taxi, or request an Uber or Lyft to come pick you up.
3. Drive Appropriately for the Conditions: If the weather is bad, slow down and drive at a safe speed. In some severe weather conditions, the safest option might be to not drive at all.
4. Keep a Safe Distance: It is never a good idea to follow too closely behind the vehicle driving in front of you. If something were to happen where the vehicle you are driving behind has to stop fast you likely will not have enough time to stop and avoid a collision.
5. Use Your Indicators: Your indicators, also commonly known as turn signals, help you to let the drivers around you know what you are trying to do. Indicators may be used to notify other drivers of a lane change, merger, or turn and can help to prevent the miscommunications that often lead to car accidents.
6. Listen to Traffic Control Devices: Traffic control devices include signs, signals, and road markings. Traffic signs and signals are used to keep people safe, for example, stop signs and red lights can prevent accidents by organizing traffic so that everyone is not going through intersections in different directions at once, which is why you should always come to a complete stop. Traffic signs also include speed limit signs which let you know how fast to go. Road markings can indicate many different things including where the lane is, whether or not passing is allowed, if a lane is turn only or not, and if there is a bike lane or railroad crossing ahead. These road markings make it so that vehicles can travel faster and more safely.

Following these practices may reduce the likelihood of you causing a car accident. However, sometimes you can get into an accident that is not your fault. If you ever find yourself in that situation, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. and our highly experienced Car Accident Attorneys are here to get you the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation call us at 716-839-3939 or fill out our online consultation form.