You can’t always avoid a car accident. However, following some basic tips can greatly reduce your chances of getting into a collision with another driver. This article discusses 10 ways to prevent accidents and avoid filing an auto insurance claim.
Stay Alert in Heavy Traffic
Other drivers get more impatient in heavy traffic, especially when traffic moves slowly. There’s just a lot more going on. A vehicle can come out of nowhere and hit you before you see it coming. That’s why it’s important to keep your eyes on the road and remain alert for dangerous scenarios.
Steer Clear of Aggressive Drivers
You have seen these people on the road. They keep honking for no apparent reason and love to tailgate other drivers. If possible, let them past and avoid driving directly ahead of or behind them. Unfortunately, such drivers are an accident waiting to happen.
Avoid Construction Zones
Find an alternate route to school, work and other places if you see road construction signs. Often, construction areas contain debris. You could end up with a nail in your tire or sharp debris can blow out your tire. Since there’s little space to maneuver in a construction zone, the potential for vehicle damage or injury increases. If possible, avoid these areas and find another route.
Stay Under the Speed Limit
Some drivers pride themselves on staying under what they consider a safe speed. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always match reality — or the legal speed limit. It’s not worth it to risk getting a ticket or causing an accident just to go five or 10 miles over the speed limit.
When you speed, you increase your risk of losing control. To avoid a car accident and subsequent insurance claim, follow the posted speed limit.
Keep Your Hand on The Steering Wheel
Distracted driving greatly increases your chances of getting into an accident. If you keep both hands on the wheel, you can’t answer the cellphone or eat in the car. Additionally, if your tire blows out or bad weather makes driving conditions hazardous, you need both hands to control your vehicle.
Tailgating
This is a leading cause of car accidents. You need at least 3 seconds to react if the car in front of you starts breaking suddenly. Resist the urge to tailgate and you may also avoid an accident and car insurance claim.
To keep your premiums down and to maintain the appropriate level of auto insurance, you can practice these and other safe driving practices.
