7 Things You Can Do to Prevent Traffic Accidents

Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death for people ages 1-54. Here are seven simple things you can do today to help prevent an accident.

There are around 5 to 6 million car accidents every year in the United States alone. That’s a lot of accidents. To help reduce these numbers, drivers need to be aware of the dangers of traffic and learn what they can do to prevent accidents. This article will discuss seven easy tips that can help make your commute safer and less stressful.

Dangers of Traffic

As we mentioned before, traffic accidents are a big problem in the United States. In fact, they’re one of the leading causes of death for people ages 1-54. However, what exactly makes traffic so dangerous? There are a few things that contribute to the dangers of being on the road, including:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Poor weather conditions
• Road rage

All of these factors can increase your chances of being in a traffic jam or an accident.

How to Limit Traffic Jams and Avoid Accidents

Now that we’ve talked about the dangers of traffic, let’s discuss some ways that you can avoid accidents and limit traffic jams.

Obey the Speed Limit

Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents. By obeying the speed limit, you can help limit your chances of being involved in an accident. If you’re traveling slower than other drivers, stay in the right lane and allow them to pass.

Put Away Your Phone

Distracted driving is another leading cause of car accidents. When on your phone, your concentration is affected, making you more likely to be involved in an accident. To avoid accidents, put away your phone and focus on the road.

Drive Defensively

Defensive driving can help you avoid accidents. Avoid changing lanes too often, signal appropriately to alert other motorists of your intentions, use your mirrors to check blind spots, and always be aware of what other drivers around you are doing. If you notice an accident on the side of the highway, don’t stop as it’ll only cause more traffic and increase the likelihood of another accident.

Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly

Ensure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure and that your brakes are in good condition. These things can decrease your risk for a breakdown or mechanical issue on the highway and help you avoid accidents or create traffic jams.

Be Patient

Road rage is a common cause of car accidents. If you notice that another driver is tailgating you, don’t respond by speeding up or slamming on your brakes. This will only aggravate the other driver and could lead to an accident. If someone cuts you off in traffic, it’s important to remain calm.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

A lot of car accidents are caused by rear-end collisions. To avoid these types of accidents, maintain a safe following distance between your car and the car in front of you. This will give you time to brake if the other driver suddenly brakes or stops short. It will also give you time to react if the other driver makes a sudden turn.

Be Aware of Road Conditions

 Poor weather conditions can make driving more difficult and increase your chances of being in an accident. Before you hit the road, check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If it’s raining or snowing, allow yourself extra time to get to your destination. You can use GPS or online mapping tools to find the best route to your destination. If weather conditions are severe, consider avoiding the road, if possible.

St. Louis Traffic Accident Lawyer

Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself involved in a traffic accident. If this happens, don’t hesitate to call the experienced St. Louis traffic accident lawyers at The Hoffman Law Firm. We have 25 years of experience protecting the rights of injured traffic accident victims in and around St. Louis, Missouri. Call us today for a free consultation.

---

---