Common Car Accidents and How to Help Avoid Them

Car accidents happen because people make mistakes. To prevent these mistakes, you can use the following safety tips.

Rear-end collisions are a common reason why people make insurance claims. Drivers should stay three seconds behind vehicles ahead of them. In wet weather, drivers should extend this time period even more. People should also drive far enough behind vehicles ahead of them to stop safely. Drivers should avoid situations that may cause them to brake suddenly. Driving strategically means watching out for other drivers and being aware of what's going on around you. Don't eat, text, or search your phone while driving. If another driver slows down unexpectedly, stay focused on the road. Don't drive if you're tired or impaired by drugs or drink.

Rear-end collisions occur mostly at intersections, highways, highway off-ramps, and heavy traffic areas. Drivers who are distracted are responsible for most of these fatal accidents. Be careful while driving through construction or work zones. Keep your eyes focused on the road ahead and watch out for any obstacles, especially if you're driving at night.

Avoiding collisions with other cars requires taking extra care when parking. Park far away from busy areas. Try to park in the middle of a parking spot. Don't swing open your door into the path of approaching vehicles. Drivers should park smartly in garages or parking lots. Don't park close to busy streets or driveways. Try not to park near other cars.

Single-vehicle losses include crashes with road barriers, debris, animals, rollovers, and accidents when driven off-road. Driving right for the weather helps prevent these types of accidents. Hydroplaning on flooded roads should be avoided by learning how to drive safely in wet conditions. Refresh your winter driving skills before the season starts. Pay attention! Just because you're the only driver on the road doesn't mean it's safe to text, make hands-on phone calls or eat while you drive. You never know what might happen. Speeding is dangerous, even when there is no one else in your car. Don't speed, or you could get into an accident.

Chips and cracks to vehicle windshields are common auto accidents. Drivers should stay away from these accidents because they could break into the windshield. Drivers shouldn't follow snowplow trucks with salt and other granular materials. These items are too big to cause chips and cracks in windshields.

Intersections are dangerous places because people often drive too fast or fail to pay attention. Drivers should practice safe driving techniques to help avoid crashes. Don't speed through intersections when the light changes to yellow. Be careful when approaching an intersection with a yellow light. Pay attention as cars approach your lane.

Always keep important documents locked in your car. Don't leave anything valuable in your car. Thieves can easily steal your possessions if they see what you're keeping in your car. If your car breaks down, take it to the nearest garage. Garage owners are more likely to report any suspicious activity than police officers. Never park in dark locations. Instead, find spaces in well-lit areas. Plan ahead if parking prior to sunset.

Avoiding accidents while backing up is very important. You should always try to park in a way that you won't have to back up into any other cars. Also, if your vehicle does not have a backup camera, you can get one installed. Backup cameras are great because if something happens to your primary camera, you'll still be able to record video. Drivers should always use the shortest route possible. When reversing, drivers should turn only when clear of parked cars or anything else that could cause an accident. Drivers should back out slowly while checking traffic. Never do anything distracting while backing up! There are many things you can try to prevent accidents, but it's not always possible to avoid them. Get insurance before you drive.

When you're driving, make sure you know what's going on behind you before you start reversing. Use your mirrors and your back window to check if there are other vehicles coming toward you. Don't just rely on your rearview mirror or backup camera to see if there are other cars coming toward you. Always park further away from the congested areas.

Wet roads do not cause more than 10% of traffic accidents. Hydroplaning causes less than 5% of traffic deaths each year. Drivers should be careful while driving in bad weather conditions. Avoid driving at night when wildlife is more likely to cross the road. Don't wear high heels or flip-flops if you're going to drive late at night. You should always slow down when approaching a herd of deer. Avoid driving through forests if you want to stay safe. Use your high beams when driving at night, and make sure you're going the speed limit. Don't forget about side-impact accidents, as well. These types of accidents cause more than half of all passenger fatalities. Avoiding these tips will help you avoid getting into an accident. Driving too fast is dangerous because it puts you at risk of hitting something else. You should always be aware of what is going on around you.

Drivers should always be aware of the cars around them. Slow down when you see an accident ahead. Move into the right lane if it's safe to do so. Don't slam on the brakes because you're afraid of getting rear-ended. Automatic braking systems can help prevent accidents.

Always follow the rules of the road and watch out for other cars. Pay attention to the stop signs, red lights, and who has the right of way. Keep your vehicle safe by having side airbags installed. Driving tips to avoid: Adjust your driving to the weather. Rainy days require slower speeds and caution. Don't text while driving. Keep your eyes on the road, and don't drive distracted by texting. Even though these are some of the most common accidents happening, it doesn't mean they have to happen. Stay safe out there and contact a personal injury lawyer in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, at thorntonesquirelawgroup.com if you need help with your case.