There are just about 10 million car accidents each year, and many are due to the negligence of drivers behind the wheel. However, by investing in auto insurance and driving responsibly, you’ll not only reduce your chances of an accident, but also protect yourself and loved ones in a worst-case scenario. Below, learn tips for responsible driving to help you avoid accidents. 

How to Avoid a Car Accident

1. Avoid Distractions

In 2015 alone, 391,000 drivers were injured in car accidents involving distracted driving. The three main types of distractions are visual, manual, and cognitive. Technology presents a new and particularly dangerous distraction. Texting, for example, involves all three modes of distraction. 

To avoid the temptation of technology, put your phone somewhere out of reach, like the backseat. Also, adjust the radio and set your GPS before you hit the road to avoid these other triple-threat distractions. If you have loud children in the backseat or other distractions, find a safe place to pull over and settle the matter.

2. Prevent Drowsy Driving

According to research, one in 25 adult drivers admit to have fallen asleep while driving. In 2013, this resulted in 72,000 crashes. Drowsy driving is comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol. Being awake for 17 hours and then driving is like driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05. It will adversely affect your reaction time and your attention span, which are both crucial to safe driving. 

To avoid drowsy driving, make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep before you hit the road and watch for signs that you’re fatigued. If you find you’re drifting out of your lane or yawning and blinking frequently, consider pulling over and asking another adult passenger to take over or finding a place to rest.

3. Become Familiar With Your Vehicle 

Vehicles come with a range of safety features designed to help you avoid accidents. Get to know which options are available to you. For example, your car might come equipped with blindspot detection or rearview cameras, which will both help you avoid a collision.

Even if your car doesn’t come with these options, there are features that can help. Adjust your mirror to ensure you can see around your car as clearly as possible, and get comfortable with your brakes so you know how much power they have and how they’d hold up in an emergency.

In addition to taking these precautions, investing in quality auto insurance from A.W. Adams Insurance, LLC in Clayton, GA, can protect your family’s health and financial investment. Their experienced agents will find you the best rates for your vehicle, whether it’s a car, motorcycle, or boat. Their partnerships with leading providers, combined with their local values and emphasis on customer service, can provide you the best of both worlds. Call (706) 782-5100 to discuss your needs. Learn more about their personal insurance plans online.