Defensive Driving: The quantity of fatal car crashes in the U.S. has surged in the past few years. Deadly accidents in the U.S. have risen from 36,835 in 2018 to 42,795 in 2022. An average of 117 fatal accidents took place each day.
That year, Texas, with 4,496 car crashes, witnessed the most fatal accidents. A close second was California, with 4,407 deadly car accidents. Florida rounded out the top three with 3,652 fatal car crashes. The number of traffic fatalities also rose in Missouri for the third year in a row. Statistics have revealed that more than 1,028 individuals died on Missouri’s roads in 2022.
Only if people prioritize safety while driving their vehicles can the number of car crashes be reduced significantly. Practicing defensive driving can minimize the risk of accidents, confirming the safety of everyone on the road.
Here, we’ll discuss some tips to help you become a defensive driver.
#1 Cut Out Distractions
It’s a no-brainer that you must do nothing but focus on the road ahead when you’re behind the wheel. Activities like adjusting the radio, texting, or talking on the phone are distracting. They could lead to tickets in many states of the country.
In the U.S., several states have imposed a ban on hand-held devices and texting while driving. Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, and Missouri are some states that have put a ban on hand-held devices and texting on drivers. You will be penalized if you’re caught using your smartphone while driving. Avoid doing that.
However, what’s more dangerous is that these activities can divert your attention from the road ahead and cause you to collide with other vehicles.
It’s estimated that 3,000 people lose their lives in auto accidents due to auto accidents each year. Keeping your eyes peeled as well as your mind focused on the road in front of you can, however, minimize the likelihood of accidents. That is because you will be able to identify erratic behaviors of other drivers, obstructions or debris, intersections, and traffic patterns beforehand. Thus, you can take prompt action.
Keeping the radio at high volume can also be a source of distraction. Make sure you keep the volume low to avoid getting distracted.
#2 Avoid Blind Spots
Blind spots are dangerous. They are, in fact, one of the leading causes of accidents in the U.S. Avoiding blind spots is, thus, crucial for your as well as others’ safety on the road.
As you sit in your car, adjust the mirrors such that they provide maximum coverage of the areas around your vehicle. Perform shoulder checks regularly before you make turns or change lanes to ensure it’s safe to do so.
Make use of dashcams—small cameras that are mounted on the dashboard or windshield of the car. They provide a clear view of the road ahead that is not visible through the side mirrors or the standard rearview. This minimizes the likelihood of accidents.
USA Today reveals California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri as the states with the most fatal crashes. In regard to cities, Memphis, Tennessee; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Macon, Georgia, are among those with the worst drivers. Even drivers in St. Louis, Missouri, a mid-sized city, are among the worst.
If you ever get involved in a car accident, dashcams can help prove the other party’s fault. Dashcams capture the footage of the area around your vehicle in real-time. You can use it in a court of law to prove you weren’t at fault; instead, the accident ensued due to the other party’s fault.
A lawyer will help you do that. If you live in St. Louis, searching for the “best St. Louis car accident lawyer” online will bring forth many options. Likewise, if you live in Memphis or Macon, search for the “best car accident lawyer in Memphis/Macon.”
TorHoerman Law advises victims to choose a local lawyer experienced in litigating car accident lawsuits. That is because they can help you navigate the confusing and complicated legal system of the area with ease.
Lawyers can retrieve the accident footage and prove the other party’s fault in the accident. That way, you will receive fair compensation for the injuries sustained.
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#3 Drive at a Safe Speed
Data suggests that speeding was a factor in about 29% of all traffic fatalities that occurred in 2022, killing 12,151 people. The numbers would increase each year if drivers fail to adhere to the speed limits. Make sure you don’t add to it by driving your car at a safe speed.
Driving at a safe speed improves visibility and awareness of the surroundings. Drivers can, thus, anticipate and avoid potential dangers. This is possible because keeping your speed down allows better control over your vehicle. Should someone run into the road or pull out in front of you, you will get enough time to respond. But that wouldn’t be possible if you drove too fast.
To sum things up, mastering the art of defensive driving can assistance you stay safe on roads, reducing the risk of accidents. Be sure to also maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. This will provide ample time for you to react to unexpected stops or maneuvers made by other drivers.
Also, scan the road ahead for pedestrians, any obstacles, or erratic drivers. That way, you can adjust your speed and position to avoid potential accidents before they occur.
