Avoiding Car Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a number of factors that contribute to ongoing car accident and injury statistics, including everything from distracted driving, operating under the influence, and aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding and tailgating. While a majority of collisions stem from these kinds of human negligence and errors behind the wheel, some crash incidents take place due to circumstances simply beyond our control.

Vehicle Awareness

Bad weather and changing road conditions, as well as unexpected traffic jams and other external factors, can sneak up on even the best of drivers, quickly placing them in hazardous situations. Although we cannot prevent every unforeseen danger headed our way, we can focus on what we can control, such as our own vehicle and how we operate it on the roadway. Vehicle awareness is a crucial part of taking a proactive approach to motor vehicle accident and injury prevention.

Ensuring your vehicle is visible to other drivers on the roadway is one of the best ways to practice vehicle awareness. Here are some key vehicle components every driver needs to utilize to stay visible and safe:

Proper Headlights, Taillights, and Brake Lights

When it comes to nighttime glare or weather conditions such as heavy rain or fog, the use of proper headlights, taillights, and brake lights are crucial. Make sure you keep up with maintenance of each set of lights and use them appropriately (including your brights) under dusk, nighttime, and low visibility conditions. This will ensure you stay visible on the road to others and that you have the visibility you need to operate your vehicle safely.

Rear Signals

Using your rear signals is especially helpful in preventing rear-end and side-to-side collisions. Make sure the drivers behind you know when you plan to switch lanes or make a turn. Do not wait until the last minute to signal or abruptly cut other drivers off. You can signal appropriately by practicing basic defensive driving techniques: Look ahead, observe, and allow a safe distance between you and surrounding cars before attempting to signal and move.

Using your rear signals is especially helpful in preventing rear-end and side-to-side collisions. Make sure the drivers behind you know when you plan to switch lanes or make a turn. Do not wait until the last minute to signal or abruptly cut other drivers off. You can signal appropriately by practicing basic defensive driving techniques: Look ahead, observe, and allow a safe distance between you and surrounding cars before attempting to signal and move.

Hazard signals 

Hazard lights are only required under certain circumstances. For example, drivers typically use them under emergency circumstances or to indicate to other drivers that they must move at a slow speed, intend to pull over to the side of the highway, or are in need of roadside assistance. In the state of Illinois, driving with your hazard lights on is not permitted. However, when you do require roadside help, it is important to use these lights to remain visible, especially in bad weather or at night.

If you have been in a car accident due to negligent driving, consult with a qualified Lake County car accident attorney to ensure you understand your rights in a court of law. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 today for your special consultation.

Source:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Research/Human-Factors