Car accidents cause many injuries each year, from minor injuries such as broken bones to permanent injuries such as burn injuries and spinal cord injuries. Everyone wants to avoid car accidents in Florida, but many of the tips offered in order to prevent crashes are fairly obvious advice. Here are some expert tips that can really help you in avoiding a car accident in the future:
1) Think ahead. Many drivers keep an eye on the car in front of them, but moving your eyes periodically to the car in front of the car in front of you lets you see potential problems – and react to them – sooner. This simple habit can help you avoid rear-ending another car.
2) Stick to the center or right lane. The “fast lane” gives you fewer options for switching lanes and also gives you less time to respond. That’s one reason why many highway accidents take place in the left lane.
3) Keep your hands on the 9 and 3 o’clock position on the wheel, as you were taught in driver’s education. This helps you maintain best vehicle control. If you are in a possible accident situation and your hands are on the 9 and 3 o’clock position you will have an easier time responding quickly to avoid the accident.
4) Consider your blind spots. After adjusting your side mirrors and rearview mirror as precisely as you can, be sure that you still turn around to look into lanes beside you. Also, consider the blind spots of cars around you – you may be able to see them, but they might not be looking or turning around to check their blind spots.
5) Look out for cars that are drifting in the lane. Drivers in such cars may be tired, distracted, or intoxicated. Steer clear of these drivers or at least keep an eye out for sudden lane changes or other dangerous behavior.
6) Move your seat closer to the steering wheel – position it so that your wrist could rest on the top of the wheel if your arm were outstretched and your back was against the seat. This is the wheel position that race car drivers use, because it allows them to make evasive manoeuvres. This wheel position can help you if you need to act fast to avoid a car accident.
7) Keep your car in good condition. Check the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and follow it. It may cost a little more, but it can save your life in the event of an accident. A car in poor repair simply will not respond the way you need it to in an accident.
8) Take race car lessons. Find a good high-performance racing driving school in your area and take classes. It’s an excellent investment because it teaches you how to avoid accidents and how to get out of skids – skills that are very useful on the road.
9) Stick to good driving conditions. Nights and poor weather increase the chances of an accident. If you have a choice, wait until daylight and decent weather to get behind the wheel of your car.
These tips can help you prevent a Florida car accident, although they are not fool-proof. You can control your own actions on the road, but not the actions of other drivers. Nevertheless, taking steps to keep your driving at its best can keep you – and others around you – safer on Florida roads.