It takes a split second for a car accident to happen, whether it’s a minor fender bender or a collision totaling one or more vehicles. If you recently purchased a luxury vehicle and want to stay as safe as possible on the road, use these tips to remain accident-free. Think of the following advice as part of your luxury vehicle maintenance plan.

How to Stay Clear of Car Accidents

1. Don’t Drive Distracted

Stay focused on the road and what’s around you every time you drive. Looking at your phone, fixing your hair, turning around to talk to the passengers in the back seat, or doing anything else that pulls focus increases your risk of a distracted driving accident. Distracted driving accounts for thousands of lives lost every year, including drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

2. Keep Both Hands on the Wheel

Adjust your seat so you feel comfortable and can touch the steering wheel without struggling. Place your hands at the nine and three o’clock positions to maintain control over the vehicle’s movements. Driving with one hand on the wheel makes it difficult to react quickly and maneuver the car or truck when you need to.

3. Avoid Speeding & Slow Driving

Know the speed limit on every road and keep up with traffic instead of speeding or driving too slowly. Speeding makes it virtually impossible to react in enough time to prevent collisions, while driving excessively slow increases the risk of aggressive driving from others who want to get away from you.

4. Don’t Drive Under the Influence

Take a taxi, Uber®, or Lyft®, or have a friend or family member drive if you cannot operate a vehicle due to intoxication. Anything that impairs your judgment and ability to see the road and other drivers increases your accident risk. One person dies in a drunk driving accident every 50 minutes in the United States, so be aware of the risks and make safe choices.

5. Keep Up With Maintenance

Schedule luxury vehicle maintenance with technicians proficient in imported cars and trucks. A lack of maintenance, such as timely engine repairs, tire rotations, and brake pad replacements, can contribute to accidents because the vehicle can stop working, blow a tire, fail to brake in time, or sustain other damage that results in collisions. 

Help your Porsche®, BMW®, Mercedes®, or another car stay functional and safe with luxury vehicle maintenance services from Reid Vann Luxury Import Specialist. Serving St. Louis, MO, and the surrounding areas since 1973, this auto shop is the only one of its kind in the region. Call (314) 968-4100 today to make an appointment or learn more about luxury vehicle maintenance online.