Car accidents can happen to anyone at a moment’s notice. They can also be expensive. Often, auto collisions involve high medical bills and repair costs, along with long waits for compensation.
For this reason, understanding the best ways to avoid common car accident risk factors can help you stay safe and financially secure.
- Limit distractions
Distractions behind the wheel can significantly increase the risk of a car crash. Some of the most common distractions include:
- Using your phone to talk to text
- Searching or viewing your GPS navigation system
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting radio or music settings
The fines for distracted driving in Connecticut increased in October. Fines start at $200 for your first violation, $375 for your second violation and go up to $625 for your third and any subsequent violations. State law also prohibits drivers from using hand-held phones. For 16 and 17-year-old drivers, any use of a cellphone is prohibited while driving, including hands-free devices.
Limiting these distractions while driving will allow you to focus on the road and reduce the risk of an accident.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle you are following
Sometimes, the driver in front of your car may drive under the speed limit to a point that is frustrating, but no matter how tempting it may be, you should never try to tailgate. While many people unintentionally drive too close to the vehicle in front of them, numerous others do it out of aggression. Neither is safe.
- Check the weather forecast before driving
Another top reason why many highway emergencies occur is because of inclement weather or other natural causes outside of human control. Although you cannot change the weather, you can check the forecast before leaving your house. If it looks bad, avoid going out.
While there are times when you cannot prevent a car accident from happening, sometimes you can by avoiding certain risk factors when your situation allows you to.
