Published on December 5th, 2023
Many of us are guilty of being a bit too relaxed with our vehicles. Sometimes, we feel like we are in an extension of our living rooms while rolling down the street.
Other times, we neglect our cars and put off preventative maintenance until a more convenient time. Both can cause catastrophic accidents with catastrophic injuries.
Accident prevention needs to be proactive, and there’s never a better time than the present to ensure you’re doing all you can to stay safe.
Connecticut victims of a serious car accident that they played no hand in causing can get help from a Bridgeport car accident lawyer.
Let the legal professionals fight for your right to compensation while you fight to recover from your injuries.
The Driver’s Checklist For Preventing Accidents
No one chooses to be the cause of an accident. However, many drivers do things that could be considered careless.
These actions (or non-actions) can put them in the hot seat of negligence if they’re involved in a crash.
Fortunately, with a bit of proactivity and attention to detail, there are several things that all drivers can do to help reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.
Here’s what all drivers should have on their driving checklist.
Pre-Drive Safety Check
While most drivers simply jump into their vehicles and hit the road without giving their cars a second thought, to do so could prove to be a huge mistake.
Before starting your car, ask yourself if it’s safe to drive and if all the parts and safe-driving technologies are up to par.
Do the brakes work? Do you have a burned-out turn signal bulb? Smart drivers periodically inspect the little things in their cars that could cause an accident. It’s not a time-consuming task and shouldn’t be ignored.
Preventative And Necessary Maintenance
In today’s volatile economy, budget-conscious car owners may see skipping preventative maintenance of their vehicles as an easy way to save some precious and much-needed pennies.
While this may seem like a good way to cut costs, it must be avoided.
Bald car tires can easily blow out and cause an accident, and putting off replacing your worn-out brake pads or rotors is an accident waiting to happen.
The costs of keeping your vehicle in working order are mere pennies compared to the financial nightmare of causing an accident.
Put Down The Phone
Whether on a Sunday drive or your daily commute to work, driving is about getting from point A to point B and nothing more.
Many of us are guilty of being dangerously attached to our social media news feeds, but this is to be avoided when behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is responsible for a big percentage of both fender benders and more severe accidents.
Reports state that 3,000 people are killed each year as a direct result of distracted driving.
Driving Doesn’t Need To Involve Your Emotions
Your driving behaviors should always be defensive and attentive regardless of your mood.
Some behind the wheel have difficulty keeping their emotional state from interfering with safe driving habits.
Whether it be a bad day at work, relationship issues, or maybe a careless driver who cut you off, never let your driving become an extension of your mental state. Road rage is a major cause of accidents that could have been easily avoided.
One For The Road
It should be completely obvious that alcohol and driving are never to be mixed, yet impaired driving is still a big part of vehicle accidents.
While many drivers think that a glass of wine or beer with dinner at their favorite restaurant won’t affect their driving abilities, alcohol has been proven to slow response times and can impair judgment.
If you’re going to be driving, you shouldn’t be drinking. That adult beverage could put you in harm’s way.
Obey All Traffic Laws
To keep our public roads as safe as possible for everyone, we collectively have to follow the rules of the road. Saying everyone speeds doesn’t change that it’s a selfish and possibly dangerous act.
A part of every driver’s checklist for preventing accidents should be a familiarity with all traffic laws and strict adherence to them.
Speeding is an easy way to get hit with a traffic fine and a major factor in causing accidents. There is no crime in obeying the speed limit.
Prevent Accidents By Using A Mental Driver’s Checklist: Final Thoughts
Most of the strategies for accident avoidance are common sense and simple to follow, yet many drivers completely ignore them. Driving a car is a huge responsibility.
All it takes is one piece of carelessness; the next thing you know, you’ve caused a catastrophic accident.
You’ll be left feeling the guilt of your negligence and a financial punishment that could sting for years.
If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence and suffered damages, contact an experienced car accident lawyer.
A personal injury lawsuit can not only help to ease your financial hardships but can also bring closure and accountability.
Don’t let a careless act completely ruin your life. Contact a personal injury attorney today.
Feature Photo Credit Gabe Pierce
