Top 5 Tips To Avoid A Car Accident

Driving is a task that a lot of us take for granted every day. With that said, the car insurance industry as a whole estimates that the average driver will file a claim for a collision once every 17.9 years. Car accidents are sometimes unavoidable but there are actions that you can take to help mitigate the risk of being involved in an auto accident. In the following article, we’ll cover some key defensive driving tips to make you a safer and more attentive driver.

1.) Limit Your Distractions

Ideally, you should try to limit your distractions when driving. Phones, GPS, music, media consoles, passengers, and other distractions can severely limit your awareness of what’s happening on the road around you. The National Safety Council estimates there 1.6 million car accidents yearly from cell phones alone. The number is surely much higher when factoring in other factors for distraction. Keep your cell phone out of sight, turn your music to a reasonable volume, and avoid conversations with passengers when driving.

2.) Avoid Fast and Passing Lanes

In the United States, the left lane of highways is typically reserved strictly for passing slower traffic. New Jersey specifically has a law that states drivers must stay right unless to pass or turn left. A large number of accidents actually occur in these lanes as vehicles typically are exceeding the posted speed limit of that road or highway. Clark and DiStefano have represented numerous car accident claims in Ocean and Monmouth counties and many could have been avoided by simply observing the posted speed limits.

3.) Never Assume Drivers Intentions

It is advisable to always be cautious when driving even if you have the right of way! If you find yourself driving through an intersection be sure to briefly look left to right to make sure it is safe, red lights are ignored every day and you’re head being on a swivel can mean the difference between avoiding a car accident and not. Drivers also regularly make turns and lane changes without using a proper signal, always give yourself a good distance between you and the car in front of you so you have time to react in the case of an emergency.

4.) Avoid Driving at Night

It’s no secret that driving at night and early morning hours carries an increased risk of being involved in a car accident, especially in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. Not only is your visibility reduced from the low light conditions but you are also at an increased risk of running into a drunk or impaired driver. The lack of proper lighting, increased presence of drunk drivers, and the consistent traffic density of the New Jersey metro area creates a situation that present’s a lot of ways for a driver to find themselves in a car accident.

5.) Keep Your Vehicle Maintained

Keeping your vehicle maintained is essential to operating it safely on the road. We highly recommend paying attention to your tires and brakes. Many vehicles are on the road today with inadequate tread and brittle rubber. Worn tires decrease the overall amount of grip the vehicle has, increases braking distances, and increases your chance of hydroplaning in wet conditions. It is advisable to also equip your vehicle with winter tires in the colder months. The Winter can be quite harsh in New Jersey at times; reaching temperatures well below freezing. Winter tires tread not only has better traction in snow, but its rubber compound remains soft at lower temperatures. All-season and summer tires become very hard and brittle at Winter temperatures decreasing grip and increasing braking distances. Always make sure your vehicle has fully functioning brakes. Replace brake pads and braking surfaces as needed to maintain optimal braking performance.