Defensive Driving Tips to Help You Avoid a Car Accident

Car Accident Attorney in Riverside, CA

Thousands of car crashes occur every day across the United States. These accidents can lead to severe injuries and have huge impacts on the victim’s quality of life. While some accidents are unavoidable, there are several steps you can take to prevent them. Our legal team at the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler is here to share the top tips for defensive driving in Riverside, CA, and how they can help you avoid a car accident.

Be Alert

It’s easy to zone out while driving down a long stretch of highway. Unfortunately, this means your attention is compromised, and you’ll be less likely to react quickly enough if a problem occurs. For example, if you’re not alert and the driver in front of you slams their brakes, you’re much more likely to rear-end them due to your delayed reaction time.

Make Sure Safety Is Your Priority

Safety should always be your priority when driving defensively, even if you’re running late or trying to look for your destination. Our car accident attorney understands that situations like that can be stressful, but even small mistakes can pose major safety risks on the road.

Assume the Worst from Other Drivers

Even if you like to give people the benefit of the doubt, that shouldn’t apply on the road. Unfortunately, you can’t always rely on other drivers to operate their vehicles as safely as you are, and just one case of not assuming the worst from another driver can lead to an accident.

Do Not Drive While Preoccupied

Being preoccupied doesn’t necessarily mean being on your phone – it can mean eating, drinking, daydreaming, or worrying about something. All these activities can distract you from the road, even if you’re not actively looking at something else.

Follow at a Safe Distance

Tailgating is one of the main causes of rear-end accidents. When driving defensively, you should always follow the car in front of you at a safe distance – one that will give you enough time to stop if the leading vehicle brakes suddenly.

Always Have an Escape Route

You should always know how to escape a situation with heavy traffic or other stressful conditions. This can mean staying in the right lane so you can get off at the nearest exit or knowing where you can pull over safely.

Master the Art of Defensive Driving

Just like any skill, defensive driving requires practice and should be mastered for optimal safety on the road. Keep all our tips in mind whenever you get behind the wheel, and consciously practice your defensive driving skills on every trip you take.

Stay Within the Speed Limit

Speeding is, without question, one of the top causes of vehicle accidents. While it’s tempting to drive faster, especially if you’re running late, the consequences aren’t worth it. In addition to a higher chance of getting in an accident, the penalties from law enforcement are severe.

Keep to the Right

The left lane should be used for passing only. Staying to the right of the road in a multi-lane system can help you avoid reckless drivers and stick to the speed limit.

Be Careful When Turning and Passing Other Vehicles

When driving safely and defensively, you should always exercise caution and care when turning or passing another vehicle. You never know if that driver isn’t paying attention or if they are not following the rules of the road.

When Driving in Bad Weather, Avoid Utilizing Cruise Control

Cruise control is handy in certain situations but should never be used during inclement weather. It can make it harder to quickly adjust your speed, if necessary, as well as make it more difficult to stop.

Stock Your Car with the Essentials

If you do get in an accident, it’s essential to be prepared. Always have an emergency kit in your car that contains a first aid kit, road flares, water, food, jumper cables, and other useful items.

What To Do in Case of Compromised Visibility

The best thing to do when driving with compromised visibility is to avoid getting behind the wheel at all. However, there are times when this may not be possible. If you absolutely must keep driving, always keep your headlights on. Be sure to turn off your bright lights if another car is approaching.

Cut Out Distractions

Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those who drive defensively keep anything that could potentially distract them out of reach. This includes phones, tablets, computers, snacks, et cetera.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer in Riverside Today!

If you were injured in an accident due to the actions of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Riverside car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler understand how a car accident can affect your life, and we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!