Thursday, December 12, 2013

Tips On Preventing An Accident

Change your driving habits a bit and this picture doesn't have to be you.

No matter how good of a driver you may be, accidents are sometimes unavoidable. 

But that doesn't mean you can't take some necessary steps to better your driving and prevent catastrophe. Anyone who has been in an accident, especially a serious one, can tell you it's an awful experience, so with that in mind here are some tips you may not have thought of in preventing an accident on the road:

1) Drive A Racecar

This may sound a bit out there, but you should absolutely take some lessons on driving a racecar if you can afford it. A high-performance driving school is one of the best ways to improve your skill as a driver. You'll be in a controlled, safe environment while learning what to do when your vehicle has been pushed to the limits with skills such as skid recovery and avoidance maneuvers. Having a better grasp of what you can control your car to do - and what you can't - could save your life one day. Driveway Austin is a great place nearby (http://www.drivewayaustin.com/). 

2) Avoid Nighttime Driving If Possible

You might be a night driver to avoid the usual traffic, but it comes with serious risks. Fatigue, decreased visibility and drunk drivers all come into play when the sun goes down, so protect yourself and your vehicle by staying off the roads when it's dark.

3) Maintain Your Vehicle

If you want your car to stop, go and turn when you need them to, make sure they are in top condition. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule and don't put it off for a month or two. If you're looking for a car that doesn't break the bank when it comes to keeping them maintained, Hyundai is fantastic

4) Know Your Car's Limits

Pay attention to how your vehicle reacts in certain situations. How does it turn at different speeds? How responsive are the brakes? Knowing your car's limits is key to pushing it too far and causing a collision. 

5) Judge A Car By Its Cover

Be on the lookout for cars that are dirty or have dings in them. It could be a sign of an inattentive driver that is dangerous to be next to on the road. Also look out for drifting drivers that could be tired or talking on the phone.

6) Drive Like A Professional

Move your seat up to the steering wheel so that your wrist can rest on top of the steering wheel with your arm outstretched and your back against the seat. Your arms will thank you and you'll be in prime position to react quickly and make necessary moves.

7) 10 & 2? Nope

Try putting your hands at 9 & 3 on the steering wheel instead. This position gives you maximum control over your vehicle.

8) Be Aware Of Blind Spots

Adjust your mirrors as best as you can, but don't rely on them completely! Always look over your shoulder when changing lanes or making a turn. Another thing you can do is add blind spot mirrors to your vehicle if it doesn't already have them.

9) Scan Ahead

Don't just look at the car in front of you, look at the car ahead of that car. You'll be able to see an accident coming ahead of time and give yourself more of a window to make a reaction by being alert and looking down the road.

10) Avoid The Fast Lane

The best way to prevent an accident is to give yourself multiple "escapes" should a problem arise. If you are in the left lane on the highway, and there is no shoulder, you don't have a lot of options to avoid an oncoming collision. Most accidents occur in the left lane of the highway, so stick to the middle or right lanes and be all the safer for it.

What do you think of these tips? Do you have others to suggest? Let us know here as well as on our Facebook page. If you are in the market for a safe vehicle, check out our full inventory on our website!

2 comments:

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  2. Owning a car is a huge responsibility. Sometimes driving can be overwhelming, frustrating, confusing, and sometimes dangerous. You are right in explaining the post related to safe driving. Everybody must follow these tips to minimize the risk of accident. Thanks for sharing such an informative post.
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