Perhaps you’re a new driver who wants to maintain a driving record free of accident-related points. Maybe you have years of experience behind the wheel but recently needed collision repair services. Whatever your motivations are for maintaining or improving your driving record, use these tips to avoid accidents.

5 Suggestions for Vehicular Accident Avoidance

1. Always Check Your Blind Spot Before You Turn

Activate your blinker a few seconds before you move over to let other drivers know of your intentions. Take a quick look behind you immediately prior to moving over, which checks if there are vehicles in your blind spot or the section of road you cannot see from your mirrors. Always look behind you when you are backing out as well, especially if there are children around who can run in front of your car.

2. Maintain a Safe Distance Between You & Other Drivers

Stay at least three car lengths behind other drivers as much as possible. Maintaining a safe distance gives you time to react if the driver in front of you hits their brakes, something you will not enjoy if you tailgate. Tailgating can also be viewed as aggressive driving that distracts and agitates other drivers, which increases the risk of erratic behavior and accidents.

3. Never Drive Tired or Inebriated

Stay home if you are tired from lack of sleep or are under the influence of drugs and alcohol, especially if it’s nighttime and road hazards are not as visible. Both issues dramatically increase your accident chances, including accidents that injure other drivers or pedestrians, by slowing your reaction time, distracting you, and impairing your judgment.

4. Eliminate Distractions

Drive distraction-free, as taking your eyes off the road for even a second or two increases the possibility of collisions. Mute all devices, limit conversations with passengers and don’t change the radio station while you’re driving so your attention remains completely on the road.

5. Keep Up With Car Maintenance

Reduce collision repair issues by maintaining your vehicle. Ensure your battery is charged, your engine is lubricated with oil and won’t stall or seize, your tires are full and damage-free, and your brakes are operational. 

If you need collision repair services at any time, contact Jerry Ernst Auto Body, the locally owned auto body shop serving the East Side of Cincinnati, OH, and Northern Kentucky for 40 years. A member of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and a BBB® accredited business, all work comes with a lifetime warranty from certified technicians. Call (513) 871-7200 today for a free estimate or visit the shop online for collision repair details. Get more driver safety tips on Facebook.