“Millions of deaths would not have happened if it weren’t for the consumption of alcohol.” – Mokokoma Mokhonoana
The Association for Safe International Road Travel states that circa 1.25 million people die on the world’s roads every year. This figure translates into about 3 287 deaths per day.
When further broken down by country, statistics show that more than 37 000 people die in road accidents in the United States of America. And, over 2.35 million people are injured in car crashes per year in America. Finally, the road accident cost to the US economy is around $230.6 billion (USD) per annum.
Therefore, the question that must be asked and answered is: How do you prevent a motor vehicle accident?
Before we look at answers to this question, it’s essential to highlight the unfortunate fact that car accidents do occur. And, people get injured. This fundamental reason for this is that there are many drivers operating motor vehicles simultaneously.
Thus, an accident can occur if one of the many drivers makes a mistake. And, depending on the number of cars on the road at the time of the accident, it can either end up as a minor fender-bender or a major accident resulting in serious injuries or even deaths.
Therefore, at the outset of this article, it is important to note that should you be involved in an accident, it’s essential to contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for advice and help with the post-accident procedures like filing insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Now, let’s look at ways to avoid being caught in a car accident:
Drive defensively
The premise behind defensive driving assumes that everyone else on the road will possibly make a mistake while driving, and you need to avoid getting caught in the resulting crash. And, when learning to drive defensively, you “learn a set of driving skills that allows you to defend yourself against possible collisions.”
Vehicle roadworthiness
It is critical to ensure that your car is roadworthy every time you drive it on the public roads. A typical example is that if your vehicle’s brakes are worn or not working correctly, it won’t be possible to brake quickly enough if the traffic comes to a halt in front of you. Thus, you run the risk of driving into the back of the car in front of you.
Stay off your mobile phone
Texting or speaking on your mobile phone, even when on Bluetooth speaker, can be a massive distraction to the average driver. 2017 statistics, quoted by www.nhtsa.gov, show that over 3100 people lost their lives in car accidents caused by distracted driving.
Therefore, it is vital to switch your phone off while driving a car.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
This tip sounds logical and almost too basic to mention. However, it is easy to get distracted while driving, and without thinking, take both of your hands off the vehicle’s steering wheel while driving. Even propping your knees up against the steering wheel on a straight road is dangerous. Therefore, to drive safely, you need to ensure that at least one hand is, preferably two hands, are on the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion.
Avoid road rage
It’s vital not to react to incidents of road rage around you and directed at you. Reacting will distract you from driving defensively and increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident. Also, it is equally important not to get upset when other people make driving mistakes.