If you recently bought a car, you must be excited to get on the road. However, you should understand that owning a vehicle comes with many responsibilities. When driving, you will be liable for the lives of your passengers and pedestrians. Attending calls and phone notifications, drunk driving, and poor driving skills are some of the main reasons for fatal car accidents these days.

“According to data gathered by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, one individual suffers severe injuries in a vehicle accident involving an intoxicated driver every two minutes. Unfortunately, many people lose their loved ones due to these negligent, careless, and reckless drivers who choose to drink and get behind the wheel.” Says a drunk driving accident lawyer at Chopin Law Firm which specializes in personal injury cases.

While you cannot prevent accidents, there are certain measures you can adopt to ensure that you have fewer chances of getting into one. Let’s look at some of them below.

Learn Driving from an Experienced Driving Instructor

Before you hit the road, you must learn how to drive your vehicle properly. Rather than getting help from your family members, it’s wiser to take lessons under an experienced driving instructor who can identify mistakes you’re making while driving and rectify them immediately. While your family members can also provide that support, they might miss out on mistakes and small details that can later lead to severe or fatal car accidents. At the same time, you must believe in your driving skills before you get out on the streets. Many car accidents occur because the drivers lack faith in their driving skills.

Never Drink and Drive

Drunk driving is another prime reason for car accidents. Do not drink and drive, especially if you are a new driver. Always have a backup ready if you attend a party and must drink. That person can help you reach home safely. Avoid drinking or taking another mode of transportation to go home if you don’t have a friend with you. Remember that drunk driving puts your life at risk and at the same time can be fatal to any pedestrian who might be involved in that accident.

Avoid Using Your Phone While Driving

People are always on their phones nowadays, which is one of the main reasons for car accidents. Avoid using your phone when driving. At the same time, do not use your phone while crossing the road, especially a busy one. Switch on flight mode when driving. Need access to the internet for GPS, etc. while driving? Well, you can mute all notifications and only attend them after you have reached your destination. Do not take calls while driving because they can be equally distracting. Even if you have a hands-free option, speaking to someone else can distract you and land you in a fatal accident. If it’s important, park your car and take the call.

Make Seatbelts Non-Negotiable

No one likes wearing seatbelts, but they can be life-saving in a fatal accident. Many victims could avoid car accidents if they or their passengers wore their seat belts. So, always buckle up when you are driving, and also encourage the person sitting in the passenger seat to do the same.

Learn Driving in Challenging Weather

Driving in challenging weather is difficult for both new and experienced drivers. You should be extra cautious when driving in heavy rain, snowfall, or thunderstorms. Depending on where you live, the weather might get extreme at times. You can experience blizzards, hurricanes, thunderstorms, or extreme fog for several consecutive months. Driving in such weather can be challenging, especially if you’re a new driver. You should practice driving in these weather conditions before you carry passengers in your car.

Heavy rain, snow, or fog can make it difficult to look ahead. Use your wipers wisely and drive as slowly as possible. These weather conditions also make the road slippery, due to which your tire can easily skid and slip. Learn to identify black ice and avoid driving over them to prevent accidents.

Test the brakes, wipers, and tires before hitting the road, because if they are faulty, they increase the chances of getting in a car accident. 

Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Vehicle

A malfunctioning car is equally responsible for accidents. Your car will run well if it’s in good shape. Prepare a maintenance schedule for your car and stick to it. Your engine is responsible for your car’s longevity, so take good care of it. Always keep the car interior clean. The brakes, tires, wipers, and headlights should always be functional. Replace them or repair them immediately if they start malfunctioning.

Similarly, the oil, power steering, fluids, and transmission should also function smoothly before you drive your car. Make sure that the car lights are working well. It will help ensure your safety, as well as all other drivers on the street. Always get your car checked by a professional to ensure everything is working well and good to go.

After the discussion above, owning a car might sound terrifying, but let us assure you that it’s one of the greatest decisions you will ever make. Accidents are unavoidable. However, you could follow the strategies above and reduce the chances of getting into car accidents. If you get into one, you should hire a lawyer to avoid any legal hassle and get compensated if needed.

Published by HOLR Magazine.