When driving in areas where accidents are likely to happen, you need to be extra careful and well-prepared. These areas, which are often marked by a lot of traffic, sharp turns, or bad visibility, can be very dangerous for drivers. To stay safe in these kinds of areas, you need to form habits that make you less vulnerable to possible dangers. Drivers can make sure their trips are safe and less likely to end in an accident by learning and following certain safety rules.
Understanding the risk of getting into an accident is an important part of driving safely. Things like speeding, being distracted, or bad weather can make the risks much greater. As you read this article’s useful tips, keep in mind that what you do behind the wheel is very important for keeping yourself and other people on the road safe.
Prepare Before You Drive
- Check Your Vehicle: Make sure your car is in good working condition by checking it often. Pay attention to the brakes, lights, and tire pressure.
- Plan Your Route: Use navigation tools to find places where accidents are likely to happen and other routes you can take.
- Adjust for Weather Changes: If it’s going to rain, be foggy, or snow, add extra time to your trip and be ready for roads that are slippery or hard to see on.
Maintain a Defensive Driving Approach
Driving defensively is a tried-and-tested way to lower the risks in areas where accidents are likely to happen. Some important habits are:
- Obeying Speed Limits: Stick to the speed limits, especially in places with bends or lots of pedestrians.
- Keeping a Safe Distance: To keep a safe passing distance, use the three-second rule. In bad weather, take more time.
- Scanning the Road Ahead: Always look at least ten seconds earlier to check for possible dangers and make any necessary changes to how you’re driving.
Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions
In high-risk places, accidents often happen because people are distracted. To stay focused:
- Avoid Phone Use: Only use your cell phone in an emergency, and if you need to, pull over safely.
- Limit Other Distractions: Limit how much you talk, listen to music, and eat while you’re driving.
- Stay Alert: Being tired can make it harder to respond, so make sure you get enough rest before you drive.
Navigate Intersections Safely
Because so many lanes of traffic meet at intersections, they are common places for crashes to happen. To keep yourself safe:
- Look Both Ways: Even if the light is green, you should always look left and right before going through an intersection.
- Watch for Signals: Pay attention to what other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists do and react to what they do.
- Yield When Necessary: Accidents can be avoided by giving way to others, especially when it’s not clear who has the right of way.
Manage Your Speed and Control
It’s important to drive at a safe speed and stay in control, especially in areas where accidents are likely to happen.
- Adapt to Road Conditions: Slow down when the weather is bad or when the roads aren’t well maintained.
- Use Both Hands on the Wheel: This gives you more control and lets you act faster in an emergency.
- Avoid Sudden Maneuvers: Making small changes to your speed or direction can help you keep control.
Avoid Driving Impaired
Getting into a crash is much more likely when you are driving while drunk or tired. To keep yourself safe:
- Never Drink and Drive: If you’ve been drinking, find a designated driver or use a rideshare service.
- Rest Well: To stay alert, make sure you get enough rest before long trips.
Use Roadway Features to Your Advantage
- Stay in the Right or Center Lane: There is less traffic moving into these lanes, so there is less chance of a crash.
- Follow Road Signs: Pay close attention to signs that tell you about upcoming turns, stoplights, or pedestrian crossings.
- Respect Emergency Vehicles: Stop in a safe place to let emergency vehicles pass.
