4 Defensive Driving Techniques that Reduce Car Accident Risk

 Posted on November 18, 2019 in Car Accident

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of fatality in the workplace, and research according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that more than 32,000 people are killed each year due to car accidents across our highways nationwide. When it comes to non-fatal injuries due to vehicle collisions, the statistics are just as grim. The CDC reports that a staggering 2 million people are injured each year in car crashes in the United States alone. With numbers like these, drivers everywhere are in continual need of ongoing safety awareness and education. While prevention efforts are not enough on their own to put a stop to unnecessary collisions, they are key to saving lives, and they have been proven effective at significantly lowering injuries and accident risks, in general, each year.

Invest in Your Safety by Driving Defensively

Although it is impossible to control the choices other drivers make while out on the roads, experts encourage us to practice defensive driving anytime we operate our vehicles, as this can act as a safety buffer whenever encountering hazards caused by others. Make a routine investment in your roadway safety by practicing the following defensive driving techniques:

1. Remain vigilant - Defensive driving is all about avoiding distractions and remaining alert while driving. It means keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road ahead of you. It also means regularly scanning your mirrors to keep an eye on what is happening all around you. Whether it is texting or talking on the phone, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or fidgeting with the radio, anything that pulls your attention away from what is happening directly on the road in front of you -- even for a few short seconds -- can be deadly. You must be able to quickly react to the driving behaviors of others around you in order to avoid a collision, and you cut your reaction time drastically when you are not watching the road or when your mind is altered by an intoxicating substance.

2. Kick your tailgating habit to the curb - Many drivers, even those who do not drive aggressively, have the bad habit of following too closely behind the car in front of them. Should the car in front of you suddenly slam on the brakes or swerve into the next lane, any unexpected maneuver that happens when you are riding another car's bumper means immediate danger and zero time or space to react and prevent a collision. If you notice someone is tailgating you, wait until you have the opportunity to safely switch lanes and move out of the way to let the tailgating driver pass you.

3. Obey the law - Simply following road signs and obeying the speed limits are basic yet effective defensive driving techniques. This is especially the case when other drivers around you are not following the roadway rules. Speeding is an aggressive driving behavior that often entails weaving in and out of lanes, which places everyone in harm’s way. Watch your own speed, maintain a steady pace (not too fast, not too slow), and constantly scan your mirrors to watch for speeding vehicles approaching from behind or from the side.

4. Learn about your vehicle - Every vehicle is different, and the more familiar you are with your car’s technology and mechanics, the better you will be able to handle it on the road. For example, acquainting yourself with your vehicle’s horsepower, how smoothly it drives, and how to navigate its safety features or GPS system all help you become better equipped to efficiently operate your own car. Therefore, you will be able to react sharply and effectively if you encounter a distracted or aggressive driver.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been hit by a negligent driver despite your best effort to practice defensive driving, it is crucial you speak with a confident, dedicated Palatine car accident attorney. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we understand that the effects a collision can have on your health and finances can be devastating. The moment you have been hit, you deserve to know your rights and to be aware that you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries you incur. Call our office at 847-797-8000 today to schedule your free phone consultation.

Sources:

https://www.businessinsider.com/defensive-driving-tips-2017-2

https://www.nsc.org/safety-training/defensive-driving 

https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/motor-vehicle-safety/index.html