Buying a new car sounds exciting, but it comes with many responsibilities. Driving your vehicle safely also ensures that your passengers are safe. However, accidents can still take place. So, is there any hack for preventing car accidents?
The answer is ‘no.’ But that doesn’t mean you cannot take corrective measures to prevent these accidents from happening. But if these accidents occur, you can always remain in contact with a car accident lawyer to claim your compensation. James McKiernan is a popular property damage car accident lawyer firm. According to them, “Depending on the terms of your or the at-fault party’s insurance and the extent of damage to your vehicle, property damage claims can cover a wide range of out-of-pocket costs.”
However, it’s always best to remain cautious while driving a new car. Below are six tips for a newbie driver.
Learn driving from a professional
Before you start driving, learn it from a professional. Also, believe in your driving skills before you hit the road. Often new drivers get into accidents because they don’t believe in their driving skills.
In case you want to learn to drive from a close friend or family, ensure that they are an expert. If you make mistakes, they can instantly give you feedback and teach you the correct way.
To further prevent accidents, don’t carry too many passengers in your car as they can cause distraction during driving. It can also create added pressure on you, making you more prone to accidents.
Unless necessary, try to drive more during the day and less at night. Once you have mastered driving, you can ride your car whenever you want.
Always wear a seatbelt
You’ve heard it growing up: always wear your seat belt. No matter how unattractive they seem, seat belts protect you from all sorts of injuries during a car accident. So, try to maintain a habit of wearing your seatbelt right after entering your car.
Similarly, encourage your passenger to wear their seatbelt, especially if they’re riding shotgun.
Avoid using a cell phone when driving
Using a cell phone while driving is one of the major reasons for car accidents nowadays. Even though the risks can be minimized, experts advise against using cell phones during driving altogether.
If you get distracted by notifications easily, switch your phone to flight mode until reaching your destination. If you need internet access, mute notifications of all unnecessary apps and only open them when you’ve arrived.
Calls can also distract you from driving even if you’re using headphones. Try to park your car if you need to take the call. Otherwise, take them when you’re no longer driving.
Don’t drink and drive
Drinking and driving is among the most common reasons for car accidents. Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced one, drinking and driving is never encouraged. If you have to attend a party and want to drink, always keep a friend with you who can safely drive you home. On all other occasions where you have to drive yourself, avoid drinking at all costs. A fatal accident can kill you and anyone who comes in the way, so taking preventive measures is better than facing the consequences.
Learn to drive in poor weather
Poor weather is another cause of car accidents, especially for new drivers. But expert drivers are not immune either. Depending on the country or state you live in, you might have to battle heavy rain, thick fog, or snow all year. Training with an expert will ensure that you learn to navigate through all these weather conditions.
Drizzles and fog blur our vision and make it difficult to see ahead. Always keep your headlights turned on and drive slowly. Keep your distance from the car above and behind you to avoid an abrupt collision.
Similarly, snow and heavy rain create wet roads, and your tires can skid on them easily. Check your wipers, brakes, and tires before venturing out in these conditions. Learn to drive well on black ice if you want to prevent fatal injury.
Take care of your car
Your car needs servicing every few months. A healthy car ensures the safest rides. Failing to do so might invite trouble and jeopardize the lives of you and your dear ones. Take good care of your car engine as it can affect the longevity of your vehicle. Check the tires and brakes regularly. Clean your headlights and test your wipers. Inspecting the fluids, such as oil and brake fluids, power steering, and transmission is also important to determine the car’s health. All the car lights need to function to avoid accidents, so ensure that they are in good working condition. Check all these at least once a month or more often, and your car will be safe to ride.
