Avoiding a Car Accident – Preventative Tips

Our skilled professionals at Multi-Specialty HealthCare provide diagnostic and surgical services for car accident injuries, helping you recover quicker to get you back on your feet sooner.  And although we’d love to see your smiling face in our office, we know that the best scenario is to avoid a car accident all together. With that in mind, we invite you to check out the tips below to reduce unnecessary risks while driving.

Minimize Distractions

Eating, reading, loud, rowdy passengers including unsecured pets – these are among the numerous things that can distract you while driving, increasing your risk of an accident. The number one offender is your cell phone. Just put it down until you have reached your destination. (See Texting While Driving – Don’t Do It.) Similarly, avoid adjusting the radio or the GPS system if you’re behind the wheel. That’s your co-pilot’s job. And whatever you do, don’t take a “selfie” while driving. (Think I’m kidding? See this NBC News report.)

Your kids, god love ‘em, can be a huge distraction. Whether it’s passing back a juice box or trying to break up a sibling brawl, if you’re paying attention to them, you’re not paying attention to the road. Deal with their needs before the minivan pulls out of the driveway.

Get Out of the Fast Lane. Literally.

Did you know that most accidents happen in the left lane of the highway? Stay in the center or right lanes, unless you need to pass. We would note that you’re more likely to get pulled over for speeding if you’re in the left lane, but we know that as a safe driver, you’re not going to speed. Driving over the posted speed limit reduces your reaction time and increases the likelihood of an accident.

Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape

Ever get the sense that your car operates better after it has been to the car wash? Well, that may or may not be true, but YOU will drive better if you can see out of the windows.  Keep your car and its accessories such as the lights, tires, and brakes in good condition. Getting your car serviced regularly will help prevent a car accident caused by a blown tire or failed brakes.

Update Your Driving Skills

Consider taking a driving class to assess and improve your skills. AAA offers several courses including defensive driving or a driver skills assessment in which an instructor evaluates your driving patterns, identify your strengths/weaknesses, and provides suggestions. Edmunds.com advocates taking race car driving lessons (woohoo!), stating that a high-performance driving school provides “an opportunity to practice accident avoidance maneuvers and skid recovery in a safe, controlled environment.”

If despite following these tips, you are injured in a car accident, the skilled team of healthcare professionals at Multi-Specialty HealthCare can help. Call us today at 1-888-334-4199.

And, if you are involved in a car accident, check out What to Do When You’re in a Car Accident for more information.