There are so many potential reasons why you might get into a collision. From damaging your vehicle to becoming injured, you must know how to avoid accidents so that you don’t wind up in the emergency room or with expensive auto body repair bills. Below, you’ll learn more about how to ensure your safety behind the wheel.

4 Ways to Avoid Auto Accidents

1. Keep Distractions to a Minimum 

Distractions, such as texting, taking calls, and programming GPS systems, are common causes of accidents. Use phone apps that send “away” messages to your friends and family who text you while driving, only take hands-free calls, and program your GPS before you put your vehicle into gear. 

2. Limit Nighttime Driving

Accidents and collisions occur more frequently at night than during the day due to drunk drivers, lower visibility, and falling asleep at the wheel. Try to limit your driving after dark as much as possible. If you need to drive at night, remain defensive and alert. 

3. Check Blind Spots

Though your rear and side-view mirrors help you see vehicles in other lanes and behind you, they don’t provide a complete picture. Before you back out of parking spaces or change lanes on the highway, always turn your to head to quickly check blinds spots, so you don’t hit cars or pedestrians. 

4. Leave Stopping Distance

The faster you drive, the longer it takes for your vehicle to come to a complete stop. As a rule, leave about one car length of space for every 10 mph. This will prevent you from slamming into the vehicle in front of you should you have to hit the brakes without warning.

If you need auto body repairs following an accident, get in touch with the team at The Dent Company. They provide auto bodywork, including paintless dent removal and scratch repairs to drivers throughout Valley Park, MO. Call (636) 230-6002 to make an appointment with their experienced team and get a quote on auto body repairs. Visit the website to browse through a gallery of their work on cars and trucks throughout the region.