Did you know that as motorist in the U.S. your risk of being involved in an accident is 1.3%?
You may think that number is pretty low, but driving with caution should be on every driver’s mind when they are behind the wheel. Not only does minimizing your risk of a car accident help save lives, it can also keep your insurance premiums down. The personal injury attorneys at Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP would like to share tips to avoid a car accident and help you keep the roads safer for everyone.
When Purchasing a New Car, Look for Safety Technology
It used to be that seat belts and air bags were safety features you needed to look for when purchasing a new vehicle. But as modern technology advances, the automotive industry continues to come out with more safety features that help keep drivers safe. If you are in the market for a new car, consider purchasing a car with technology to could help prevent a car crash. The United States Automobile Association (USAA) shares features that consumers should consider adding to their new car package, some of these are:
- Collision Warning System: This features alerts you if a collision is about to happen.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Helping drivers keep a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, this technology monitors the driver’s set speed and adapts it when necessary.
- 360-Degree Camera: This feature is great for backing up and parking. The 360° view gives drivers a holistic look at other vehicles, parking lines and pedestrians.
- Adaptive Headlights
- Lane Departure and Blind Spot Alerts
Always Avoid Distracted Driving
There are more distractions for drivers now then there were even a few years ago. Distracted Driving is a real threat in contributing to car accidents. In 2014 there were 431,000 people injured in car accidents involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving includes these types of behaviors:
- Texting
- Using Your Phone
- Programming a Navigation System
- Talking to Passengers
- Drinking and Eating
- And More
When a driver is involved in one of the distractions above, their eyes are off the road for at least 5 seconds, and this is enough time to travel the length of a football field blindfolded. You should avoid texting, talking, and eating while driving so you can stay focused on the road and minimize your risk of an automobile accident.
Leave Time to Drive to Your Destination
Allowing enough driving time can minimize your risk of getting into an accident. This form of distracted driving can be detrimental, especially if you are driving during the winter or in poor road conditions. Always be sure to enter your destination in a GPS before leaving giving yourself plenty of travel time.
Get Everything Organized Before Driving
Reaching for a phone charger, plugging in your GPS, or grabbing your wallet can take your eyes off the road causing you to have an accident in the blink of an eye. Make sure that you get all of your belongings situated prior to driving to help minimize distractions while on the road.
Remember to always practice caution when you get behind the wheel, no matter what. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Hardee, Massey & Blodgett. Learn more about our auto accident experience by reading about us and our case results.