1

How to Prevent Car Accidents

Safety First

2

Drive with Both Hands on the Wheel

Treat the steering wheel as a clock, keeping your hands at ten o’clock and two o’clock at all times.

Never take a hand off the wheel to change the radio or pick something up.

3

Check Car Brakes Often

Check front and rear brakes at least once or twice a year to ensure they are working properly.

Slamming on the brake pedal will wear down the pads quicker, so go easy.

4

Drive Slower than You Want to

Obey all speed limit signs

Drive about 10 to 15 miles an hour slower than the speed limit when facing adverse weather conditions.

5

Check Your Blind Spots

A blind spot is the point where a driver’s vision is obstructed. If you’re going to switch lanes, check over your shoulder before you proceed to avoid an accident.

6

Brake When You See Yellow

Today’s drivers seem to accept that yellow means speed up and get through the light. This incorrect ritual is the quickest way to end up in the hospital.

7

Repair Windshield Rock Chips

Rock chips that obstruct the driver’s central vision are dangerous and can cause accidents.

Rock chips will spread if left alone during the cold season.

90 percent of rock chips spread if not repaired quickly.

Rock chip repair should always be a priority.

8

Abstain from Cell Phone Use While Driving

A study published in 2011 found that approximately 37 percent of all drivers have responded to a text message while driving, and 18 percent do it on a regular basis. Cell phone use leads to distracted driving.

9

Be a Defensive Driver

Anticipate that other drivers on the road will make bad decisions and know beforehand how you will react.

Practice defensive driving techniques in a vacant parking lot.

10

Prepare for Bad Weather

Store an ice scraper, a first aid kit, food, and bottled water in your car to prepare for an emergency. Drive slow and make sure your windshield is clear of rock chips and debris before driving.