Preventing an Auto Accident

Naturally, you want to avoid the chances of being involved in an automobile accident at all costs.  This is primarily because these accidents can be deadly; approximately 92 people are killed on the roads in the United States each day.  However, even minor accidents can have severe financial and health repercussions.  Below are some very simple steps you can take to be more prepared and safe in your daily travels.

• Make sure the driver’s seat is positioned properly for you.  You should not have to stretch your body in order to reach the steering wheel and floor pedals.
• Before you begin driving, check your side and rearview mirrors to be sure that you can see as much of the road behind you as possible.
• Remember the days of your driver’s education classes and remember to place your hands on the steering wheel at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions.  Having both hands on the steering wheel rather than one gives you the best possible control of the vehicle in an emergency situation.
• Vanity has no place when you are driving. Make sure that if you need glasses in order to see road signs clearly, you wear them every time you get behind the wheel.
• Be certain to regularly maintain your vehicle per the manufacturer’s recommendations so you can be assured your tires, brakes, windshield wipers, etc. are in good working order when you are on the road.
• Pay attention to the flow of traffic several yards in front of you so you can better anticipate any changes in speed up ahead.
• When changing lanes, always turn your head to be certain the lane in clear.  If you rely just on the side view mirror, you risk missing a car in your blind spot.
• Did you know that most highway accidents happen in the fast lane?  Use the right or center lanes whenever possible, as these give you better escape routes in an emergency situation.