Motor vehicle collisions are sudden, chaotic and often violent. They can cause extensive physical and emotional damage to anyone involved. Medical bills and lost wages during recovery can be costly.
While nobody can prepare for a collision, taking steps to become a defensive driver could help you avoid preventable accidents.
1. Practice safe habits
Always wear your seatbelt, avoid eating while driving and never text and drive. Minimize distractions as much as possible. Plan ahead when traveling to new destinations by looking up directions before you get on the road. Allow for extra travel time in inclement weather. Establishing safe habits causes them to become natural choices.
2. Take care of your vehicle
Routinely check your lights and turn signals to make sure that they are functioning correctly. Check the air pressure on your tires. Change your oil as often as recommended. Having regular maintenance performed on your vehicle to keep it running as smoothly and as safely as possible.
3. Be aware of other drivers
You cannot control the actions of other drivers. Maintain a safe distance between your car and others to allow for time to react to any sudden stopping or swerving. If you see another vehicle moving erratically, move away from them. Keep your eyes and attention on the road at all times so that you are able to notice and react to any unexpected situation.
Being a defensive driver gives you more control over your safety. When you are proactive and make choices to be as safe a driver as possible, you help to minimize collisions and make the roads a safer place.