How Good Preparation Can Help You Avoid Causing A Serious Car Accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2014 distracted driving was the cause of 10% of the total deaths in motor vehicle accidents. This is a preventable occurrence, and shows exactly why it's important to take safety measures before you get behind the wheel of a car. While it may seem like no big deal to text and drive, or to make a quick phone call, how well you pay attention is a big factor for car accident injuries. When you take the time to ensure that your car is safe and you follow some basic safety procedures, you are less likely to be in a car accident that causes a serious injury.

Get Your Car Serviced

If you don't get your car serviced as recommended, it's now time to start. Your tires should always be at the right pressure, and the tread shouldn't be too worn. If you need to stop fast, you want to know that your tires are ready to handle the work. You should also have your brakes checked regularly so that if you have to stop fast, your car will be able to without hesitation.

Consider a Driver's Education Course

If you find yourself nervous driving a car, it won't hurt to take a driver's ed course. Even if you already have your license, taking a driver's ed course can help you feel more comfortable behind the wheel. The more confident you feel as a driver, the better you will react in an emergency. Consider a defensive driving course if you find yourself too aggressive while on the road. Defensive driving tends to prevent accidents, while offensive driving causes them.

Stop Driving Distracted

Put your cell phone away when you are driving. No call is important enough, and the text can wait. If you cause an accident while driving, the other party will have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against you. If you are found at fault for an accident because you were distracted, you may need to find a defense attorney fast.

Don't Drive Under the Influence

While this is simple advice, many people don't follow it. If you've had a few drinks, don't drive. If you've smoked a little marijuana, don't drive. If you needed to take a prescription pain killer and feel a bit dizzy, don't drive. You should never drive with mind altering substances in your body, no matter what. If you aren't sure if you are impaired, don't drive. There's nothing worse than causing an accident because you were impaired and decided to drive anyway.