How to Stay Away from Car Accidents

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How to Stay Away from Car Accidents

Accidents happen, let’s face it. When they do, you may be faced with car repairs, injuries, and possible increases in your insurance premium. Safe driving can help keep you and your family safe while also keeping your insurance premiums low. Here are seven of the most common car accidents, along with some tips on how to avoid them:

1. Intersection Collisions

Intersections are a common location for accidents. Drivers who are distracted are more likely to miss traffic signals that change from green to yellow to red. Or they fail to notice vehicles stopping before turning.

2. Collisions with The Back of Vehicle

Accidents involving rear-end collisions are a common cause of auto insurance claims. These accidents can often be avoided, whether you are the driver who hits a vehicle in front of you or the driver who is hit by a vehicle behind you. Consider the following suggestions:

Maintain a safe distance. Make sure you’re far enough behind the car in front of you to safely stop. This is especially true when the weather is bad. Stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you, and if you’re in a heavier vehicle, stay even longer.
Drive with caution. Avoid situations that may require you to abruptly apply the brakes. You may be rear-ended if a driver follows you too closely or is not paying attention.
Make sure you don’t get sidetracked. To eat, read a text message, or find your phone, never take your eyes off the road. If the driver in front of you suddenly stops, it only takes a second or less to rear-end their vehicle if you are not paying attention.
Don’t drive if you’re tired or inebriated. When you’re tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you’re more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel.

3. Accidents Involving a Single Vehicle

Collisions with road barriers, debris, or animals, as well as rollovers and accidents while driving off-road, are all examples of single-vehicle losses. It’s not difficult to assist in their prevention.

Drive right for the weather. Even if yours is the only vehicle on the road on a rainy, snowy or icy day, drive at speeds that allow you to maintain control. Learn how to avoid hydroplaning on flooded roads and refresh your winter driving skills before the season begins.
Maintain focus. Just because you’re the only person on the road doesn’t mean it’s okay to text, make hands-on phone calls or eat while driving. You never know when conditions might change.
Don’t go too fast on the road. For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in roughly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities.1 Simply put, speeding is dangerous, even if there is no one else around.

4. Damage from a Parked Vehicle

Another common cause of vehicle damage is when a parked vehicle is struck by another vehicle. Take precautions to avoid parked car collisions and claims, whether you’re leaving your car in a parking lot or on the road. Here are a few recommendations:

Go the extra mile. Parking in the busiest part of a parking lot is not a good idea. Instead, choose a location away from congested areas. You’ll lessen your chances of being hit by another vehicle.
Make the most of the available space. Always park in the middle of a parking space. If your vehicle is too close to a parking line, move it. It will protect your vehicle from being struck by other vehicles pulling into or out of adjacent spaces. It may also aid in the prevention of dings caused by swinging doors.
If possible, park in a garage. When you’re not driving your car, the idea is to park it somewhere safe.
Parking near busy intersections, tight turns, and driveways should be avoided. Other motorists may not notice your vehicle and may side-swipe it as they pass by.

5. Windshield Cracks

Windshield chips and cracks are a common auto accident that many drivers are unaware they can help prevent. The majority of windshield damage occurs when other vehicles throw rocks and stones into the air. Keep your distance from cars and trucks to help prevent this damage.

6. Theft of a Parked Vehicle

There’s always the risk of a break-in no matter where you park your car. Even so, there are some things you can do to help protect your vehicle from unnecessary damage. Remember that items stolen from your vehicle may be considered a loss under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Damage to your vehicle as a result of a break-in is covered under your auto insurance policy.

It’s never a good idea to leave valuables in a parked car. They are an invitation to thieves if they are visible. Take valuables with you, store them in the glove compartment, or lock them up in the boot.
Never park in a dark area. Rather, look for spaces in well-lit areas. If you’re going to park before sunset, plan ahead.

7. Collisions while Backing

Accidents can happen when backing out of a parking spot or your driveway. The best way to avoid backup-related accidents is to avoid having to back up in the first place. If at all possible, park in a way that avoids backing up into traffic, such as pulling through or backing into a parking spot.

Another useful tip is to drive a vehicle with a backup camera. You can get one installed if your car doesn’t already have one.

If you don’t have a backup camera in your vehicle, here are some other options:

Look around before getting into your car to get a sense of your surroundings and traffic patterns.
Return to the starting point by taking the shortest and most direct route possible.
Reverse in a straight line, only turning when clear of parked cars or other impediments.
Slowly exit the building while keeping an eye on the traffic.
Use your mirrors and brakes until you’re completely out of the blind spot and back into the flow of traffic. While backing out, never do anything distracting.

While it’s impossible to prevent all accidents, you can decrease the risks by following these simple steps.
Have fun on the roads but stay safe!