Whether it’s a fender bender or a severe incident requiring help from a car accident lawyer, no driver wants to experience a collision. While you can’t control others’ behaviors on the road, you can reduce your risk of a crash by practicing safe habits. Here are four key strategies for avoiding collisions. 

4 Ways to Avoid Car Crashes 

1. Maintain Safe Distance 

Many collisions happen because drivers are following too closely behind the car in front of them. You can prevent a rear-end collision by maintaining a safe distance of about two cars’ length or more in slippery or inclement conditions. This gives you adequate time to react if the driver in front of you stops. You can measure the distance in front of you by using the two-second rule. When a car in front of you passes a stationary object, it should take at least two seconds before you cross the same object. 

2. Focus on the Road 

Each year, thousands of people die in crashes involving distracted driving. Avoid using your phone, applying makeup, reading, eating, or dealing with kids in the backseat while driving. Focus on the road and other drivers and steer clear of other drivers who are behaving erratically or are visibly distracted. If you need to look up directions, tend to a child, or make a call, pull over first. Similarly, don’t drive when you are drowsy. If you’re feeling too tired to drive safely, consider stopping for the night or switching with another driver.

3. Take Care of Your Car 

In addition to practicing smart behaviors behind the wheel, it’s also essential to take care of your vehicle. Stay on top of routine maintenance, including brake tests and annual checkups, to avoid issues that could lead to an accident. Be sure to use snow tires or chains in inclement weather and ensure your windshield wipers, brakes, and other safety components are always in good condition. 

4. Avoid Inclement Weather & Night Driving 

Driving at night or in inclement weather, including rain and thunderstorms, fog, or snowstorms, can increase the risk of a car accident significantly. You may experience decreased visibility as well as slippery roads. At night, there is also an increased risk of encountering a buzzed, drunk, or fatigued driver on the road. Only drive in these conditions if you must.

If you’ve been involved in a crash, consult with the car accident lawyers at Skinner & Associates, L.L.C. Based in Galesburg, IL, this team of experienced attorneys has served the Knox County community for more than 20 years, handling cases in federal and state courts. Call (309) 343-9964 to speak with a helpful staff member and schedule your consultation with a car accident lawyer. Or visit the website to learn more about how these personal injury and accident attorneys can help you.