Road accidents are a major cause of injury and death worldwide. While some accidents may be unavoidable, there are many things both drivers and pedestrians can do to help prevent them. This article will provide tips on how to prevent road accidents through safe driving habits, properly maintained vehicles, and attentive road usage.
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving involves being aware of your surroundings and potential hazards in order to avoid accidents. Here are some defensive driving tips:
Obey Speed Limits
Speed is a major factor in many accidents. Always be aware of the posted speed limit and do not exceed it. High speeds reduce your ability to react in time to avoid a collision. Make sure to slow down in inclement weather, construction zones, school zones, and other areas where extra caution is needed.
Allow a Safe Following Distance
Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will provide you with more time to stop if the vehicle brakes suddenly. Experts recommend a following distance of at least 3 seconds during ideal conditions.
Scan Surroundings and Use Mirrors
Continuously scan the road, your mirrors, and blind spots to be aware of other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, and potential hazards. Adjust your side and rearview mirrors properly to maximize visibility. This will help you spot dangers and react appropriately.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. Never use your phone or engage in other distracting activities while driving. Eating, changing music, and operating in-vehicle electronics should be avoided. Keep your full attention on the road at all times.
Do Not Impair Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous. Even prescription medications can impair driving ability. Make alternative arrangements if you are impaired, such as calling a taxi or rideshare service.
Yield Right of Way
Always yield the right of way when required. Let pedestrians cross at intersections and be prepared to stop for emergency vehicles with sirens or flashing lights. Failure to yield often results in accidents.
Maintain Your Vehicle Properly
Unsafe vehicles cause many accidents each year. To help avoid mechanical issues, be diligent about maintenance:
- Inspect your tires frequently and replace them as needed. Worn treads are unsafe. Make sure the tires are properly inflated as well, as under-inflated tires can lead to blowouts.
- Check all fluid levels, lights, windshield wipers, and breaks regularly. Address any new vibrations, noises or problems right away.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for oil changes, filter changes, etc. Use quality parts and fluids.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the entire vehicle at least annually. They may catch issues you would miss.
- Immediately repair any recalls or other safety issues identified by your vehicle manufacturer. Unfixed recalls greatly raise accident risks.
Properly maintaining your vehicle will reduce the chance of being in an accident due to equipment failure. Keep thorough maintenance records in case issues arise later.
Use Caution as a Pedestrian
Pedestrians are involved in thousands of accidents each year. Here are some tips for safely navigating on foot:
- Cross at designated crosswalks and intersections only. Avoid crossing in the middle of a block.
- Look both ways and make sure all approaching traffic sees you and is stopped before crossing. Continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Be alert for turning vehicles. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- At night, wear light colored clothing or reflective materials to be visible. Carry a flashlight to be more noticeable.
- Do not walk along highways, expressways, or other high speed roads. Stay on sidewalks and paths meant for pedestrians.
- Avoid distractions like phones while walking. Pay full attention to your surroundings.
- Follow pedestrian signals and signs where available. Do not cross on a “don’t walk” signal. Understand pedestrian rules in new cities.
- Be aware of sound. Do not wear headphones that make it hard to hear approaching vehicles, especially electric cars.
Following pedestrian safety rules is crucial to avoiding collisions. Be alert, visible, and aware as a pedestrian.
Implement Safe Driving Habits
In addition to defensive driving techniques, developing prudent driving habits can help reduce accident risks:
- Never drink alcohol or use drugs before driving. DUI is one of the most common causes of accidents. Arrange alternate transportation if you are impaired.
- Wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts dramatically reduce injury and death in crashes. Make sure all passengers are properly buckled before driving.
- Obey all traffic signs, signals, laws. These rules exist for safety. Running red lights and stop signs, speeding, illegal turns and other violations often lead to accidents.
- Avoid distractions. Don’t use cellphones, eat, adjust music or engage in other distracting activities while driving.
- Get adequate sleep prior to extended drives. Drowsy driving impairs reaction times. Take breaks every few hours on long trips.
- Remain alert. Don’t drive when you are angry, upset or unfocused. Stress, relationships, work and other issues can divert attention from driving.
- Practice hazard perception. Scan for potential dangers like bicyclists, pedestrians, aggressive drivers and slick roads that require heightened caution.
- Share the road. Be respectful of bicyclists, motorcycles and pedestrians. Look twice for smaller vehicles in blind spots.
- Travel at safe speeds. Obey speed limits and adjust your speed downwards for bad weather, heavy traffic, construction zones and other hazards.
- Drive courteously. Use signals, allow others to merge, don’t tailgate, and be patient with other drivers. Road rage can lead to poor decisions.
- Make sure you stop and contact the police and a Henderson accident attorney following an accident.
Making conscientious driving habits part of your routine will help keep you accident free.
If an Accident Occurs, Contact Us
Preventing road accidents requires effort from all road users. Drivers must be attentive, follow traffic laws, avoid distractions and maintain vehicles properly. Pedestrians need to utilize crosswalks and follow walking safety rules.
Implementing defensive driving techniques, safe habits, and mechanical care makes accidents less likely. However, if an accident does occur, contact our experienced personal injury lawyer Henderson at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys for a free consultation at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946). Our lawyers can advise you on steps to take after an accident and protect your rights during claims processes. With offices in Henderson and across Nevada, we are here to help you recover damages and fair compensation.
