No strategy is 100 percent effective for preventing Fort Lauderdale car accidents except never riding in a vehicle, but there are ways to minimize your odds of being in a crash. Here are 10 tips for how to avoid a car accident:
Tip 1: Avoid Driving at Night
When you drive matters. Driving at night comes with higher risks, even though fewer people may be on the road after dark. You are more likely to be tired, which can increase your likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel or at least having slower reflexes.
And you are not the only driver you need to worry about. Other drivers on the road at night might be sleepy or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Tip 2: Only Use the Left Lane to Pass
Where you drive can make the difference in having the opportunity to avoid a wreck. The “fast lane” is not a place to hang out.
Many people do not understand that the left lane is intended for passing only, and not as a place to remain. The mentality of “a lane is a lane” can be dangerous to both the slower driver and others on the road.
According to Edmunds automotive magazine, you have fewer escape routes in this lane, as compared to the center or right lane. This means it will be much more difficult to prevent an accident, if necessary.
Tip 3: Adjust Your Seat
There is an optimal driver position to avoid accidents, reports Edmunds. To have the best control of the wheel and prevent arm fatigue, adjust your seat position so your back is flush against the seat and you are not leaning forward.
In this location, you should be able to stretch out your arms and have your wrists resting on the steering wheel. Now slide your hands to the 9:00 and 3:00 positions. Now, you are in race car driver position, ready to respond to whatever happens on the road.
Tip 4: Keep Your Distance
If you follow the car in front of you too closely, you will have less time to react if she suddenly stops or slows down. You will almost always be liable for causing the accident when you strike a vehicle from behind.
Another reason not to tailgate is that you will have better visibility when you lag back. You should continuously scan the traffic ahead to see problems in time to safely react. Do not just pay attention to the car right in front of you. Watch what is happening ahead of that car as well.
Follow the three-second follow rule. Pick an object such as a light pole or sign; when the driver in front of you passes the object, start counting to three. If you pass the object before you have finished counting, slow down.
You should keep a longer following distance in bad weather.
Tip 5: Take Care of Your Car
Make sure your brakes are in good condition and your tires have plenty of tread. Also, follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and part replacement.
Tip 6: Know How Your Car Responds
Every car handles differently. Keep in mind how much time and space you need to stop your vehicle. Learn how your car handles sharp turns, steep climbs, lane changes, and other maneuvers.
Tip 7: Become the Best Driver You Can Be
Although we try not to think about it, at some point, you may be in an emergency situation on the road, and you will need to have professional driving skills to survive without a crash.
Attending a high-performance driving school can be fun, and it can save your life. Learn how to drive like a race car driver, handling skids and other accident avoidance maneuvers.
Tip 8: Keep an Eye Out for Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is a huge problem on Florida roads. If you see a driver holding a cell phone up to her ear or texting, put some distance between your car and hers. Anticipate that she might drift into your lane, drive slowly, or stop and start without warning.
Tip 9: Look for Problems
Anticipate that other drivers might change lanes without signaling or looking. Do not ride in the blind spots of other vehicles. Use all your mirrors, including blind spot mirrors if you have them, and physically turn your head to check blind spots before changing lanes or turning.
Expect that cars pulling onto or off highways may change lanes improperly. Try not to pace other vehicles in these situations. Give them space to merge into your lane.
Tip 10: Do Not Be the Problem
It is hard to avoid a wreck when you are the potential cause. Avoid being the problem by remembering the following:
- Do not drink and drive. People usually overestimate the amount they can safely drink before getting behind the wheel.
- Put down the cell phone. Never text while driving.
- Slow down.
- Use your car’s technology, such as backup cameras, blind-spot warning and lane drift monitoring. You paid for it; you may as well use it.
The Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine: Your Florida Car Crash Attorneys
No matter how careful you are, you might still have trouble on the road. If you suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, talk to the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine to find out about your rights.
Call us today at 800-747-3733 for your free consultation.
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