Have you ever driven through Waterloo on your way to work or to the supermarket and had to dodge another vehicle that didn’t yield the right-of-way or ran a red a light? If the answer to this question is yes, you are not alone. Car accidents happen all over the city and even the country every day. If you have not been in a car accident yet, you may be wondering if your luck will one day run out.
Fortunately, avoiding a car accident doesn’t solely require luck. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Be careful pulling into traffic
When you are pulling into traffic, be sure to always stop, look, and listen. Pay extra attention to your blind spots and take a moment to look around signs or objects that might be obstructing your view. Keep in mind that vehicles can suddenly appear out of nowhere, so take a few extra seconds to double-check the road before you pull out of a parking lot, side street, or even back out of your driveway.
Pay extra attention for red-light runners
When you are in a hurry, it is tempting to hit the gas pedal as soon as the light turns green. Unfortunately, there could be someone else in a hurry who decides to run the red light. Before you enter an intersection, look both ways and count to three.
Keep one hand on the wheel
While it is better to always have both hands on the wheel, you should definitely keep at least one hand on the steering wheel at all times. In other words, do not give in to distractions like your cellphone, changing the radio station, or turning down the thermostat.
Take care of your car
Many accidents happen as a result of vehicle failure. For instance, if your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of the road, you could be in a dangerous and vulnerable position, especially if another driver is not paying enough attention to the road. You can limit this risk by keeping up with the maintenance on your car.
Look 12 seconds ahead
When you are driving, you should always be looking ahead to the area where you will be driving in the next 12 seconds. You need to be scanning the area regularly so that you will be prepared in case another vehicle swerves, suddenly changes lanes or slams on the brakes.
Watch your back
When you are backing out of a parking space or driveway, always look behind you. Do not depend on your mirrors or back up camera alone. Instead, physically look over your right shoulder to ensure that there is nothing approaching that your mirrors or camera do not show.
The above tips can help you avoid a car wreck, but no matter how safe you are behind the wheel, it may not be possible to always avoid the actions of a negligent driver. If you have been the victim of a car accident, you might be able to file a claim for the injuries and damages you have suffered. Contact Ball, Kirk & Holm today!