8 Ways To Avoid Being The Victim Of A Car Accident

Few things are more frustrating than getting into a car accident. Not only are accidents damaging to your body, but they also cause damage to your vehicle. Thank goodness you have quality insurance coverage that will pay for the damages to your vehicle, as well as your medical bills.

Last year alone, over 30,000 people in the United States were killed in car accidents. While this information is alarming, there are ways that you can prevent an accident from occurring. By practicing the following defensive driving skills, you can help reduce the likelihood that you will be the victim of a traffic accident.

1. Perform a Pre-Check: When you turn on your car, make sure that you don't have any warning lights flashing, such as the check engine light, coolant, or tire pressure indicator. If any of your warning lights do appear, make sure that you investigate the problem before taking off. While this only takes a few seconds, it may save you from a car accident.

2. Drive Defensively: Maybe you have perfected the skill of driving; however, many other people have not. Make sure that you use your peripheral vision when driving, and keep a watchful eye on all that is happening around you. Whether the car is speeding on your right, or you are being followed too closely, reading other cars cues will help you determine how you should drive to avoid an accident.

3. Double Check Your Blind Spots: When changing lanes, be sure to double check your blind spot. It isn't good enough to simply look in your rear view mirror to see if there are any cars coming. Be sure to turn your head and look behind you as well.

4. Avoid Driving Side-by-Side: When driving side-by-side with another car, you may fall into their blind spot. If they aren't paying attention, you may be the victim of a side swipe. Either speed up or slow down so that you aren't driving right alongside the other car.

5. Check Each Intersection: Before entering an intersection, quickly check both ways. Even if the light is green, a quick check may save you from being hit by a car that is running a red light.

6. Listen For Sirens: Don't have your music so loud that you aren't able to hear any sirens that may be approaching. Since emergency vehicles may run red lights and approach the intersection quickly, you need to be able to hear them in order to move out of the way.

7. Follow the Speed Limit: Speeding vehicles are one of the most common causes of car accidents. In fact, speeding cars kill thousands of people every year. By simply slowing down, you can save yourself from causing an accident.

8. Drive for the Weather Conditions: Be sure to always alter your driving habits to accommodate for any dangerous weather conditions. If it is raining or snowing, slow down and drive cautiously.

Having Maryland auto insurance will ensure that you are protected in the event that you are caught in an accident. Knowing that you are covered by quality, low cost auto insurance can be comforting in a stressful and frustrating time.

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