Tens of thousands of people are killed in car accidents every year. And almost every one of these accidents could be avoided.
But how can you avoid a car accident? The best thing you can do is to get educated about what causes them. Fortunately, we’ve written you the following guide for this very reason.
Below, we explain 5 major causes of car accidents so that you can avoid them. In fact, we’ll also give you several actionable tips on how to do this. In addition to driving tips, we also share advice on how to keep your passengers from causing an accident.
Don’t let yourself become one of these car accident statistics. Read on and follow these tips to stay safe.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving kills approximately 8 Americans every day, and not just the drivers, either. Passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are killed this way, too. Here’s what you can do about this.
Resolve that, once you start driving, that’s all you will do until the car is parked. Don’t check texts, put on make-up, or eat a drive-through burger. Do these things when you park.
Consider listening to mp3s or CDs during the trip instead of the radio. This way, you can set up your playlist before you start driving so you won’t have to fiddle with the radio knobs when you should be watching the road.
Also, be careful about letting your mind wander. Or, at least, if your mind does wander, make sure your eyes don’t.
2. Impaired Driving
We wish this could go without saying. But drunk driving still causes the deaths of more than 10,000 people every year.
Never drive after drinking or taking medications/drugs that can impair you. Don’t drive after trying new medications for the first time, either.
3. Drowsy Driving
Likewise, don’t underestimate the dangers of driving drowsy. If you’re tired, sleep more before you drive. It’s better to be late to work than to kill a pedestrian by falling asleep at the wheel.
4. Speeding
A lot of people have this strange idea that the laws about speed limits don’t apply to them. This crazy belief doesn’t change the fact that speeding causes accidents, plain and simple. In fact, this belief is why these accidents happen.
Speed limits are there for safety, not to ruin your fun. Stop speeding.
5. Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Let’s say that you eliminate all distractions, obey all driving laws, and drive sober. Even so, the tires you keep forgetting to rotate might explode on the highway, causing you to plow into another vehicle.
When you don’t take good care of your car, problems like this are more likely to occur, sometimes at high speeds. Be sure you always stay on top of vehicle maintenance.
Spread the Word About These Common Causes of Car Accidents
Now that you know, take care to avoid these common causes of car accidents. Also, spread the word to keep others safe. Share this guide with your friends and family so that more people can learn how to avoid accidents.
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