Traffic accidents usually happen when you least expect them, often leading to injuries, financial losses, emotional turmoil, and in more serious cases, they can lead to permanent disabilities or fatalities. After getting involved in a crash, you will probably start wondering if you could have done something to avoid it. While this may not always be the case, many auto accidents can be prevented. Besides sticking to the speed limit and calling a cab when you’ve had one too many drinks, here’s what every motorist can do to avoid serious road accidents.

Keep Your Vehicle in Tip-top Shape

Tire blowouts and engine failures are among the leading causes of auto accidents across the globe. To avoid sudden stalls or vehicle failures that may put you and others in danger, make sure you keep up with your car’s checkups by taking it to an experienced auto technician every six months. Regular maintenance allows you to keep your lights, brakes, steering system, engine, and tires in optimal condition, thereby reducing your chances of getting involved in an auto accident due to a mechanical failure.

Avoid Tailgating

Many motorists drive too close to other vehicles to get to their destination faster, which doesn’t give them enough time to react when the vehicle in front of them brakes suddenly. Tailgating is the main culprit behind rear-end collisions, which can be fatal if the tailgater is driving at a high speed. Whether you’re driving a car, a truck, a bicycle, or a motorcycle, you should always keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others on the road so you would have enough time to maneuver your car if you need to stop at a short notice.

Be Extra Careful at Night

Compromised vision, fatigue, poorly lit roads, and intoxicated drivers are some of the risks we face when driving at night. No matter how good your eyesight is, driving at night is still much riskier than driving during the day, especially since drunk drivers tend to hit the road during this time. If you live in a heavily populated city like Montgomery, Alabama, your chances of getting involved in a car accident will increase considerably if you drive on highways after dark. Make sure you stay extra alert for reckless drivers, and whatever you do, never exceed the speed limit or change lanes without using your turn signals.

Be Aware of Blind Spots

Before hitting the road, you must always check your wing and rear-view mirrors and adjust them as needed to eliminate blind spots and have a seamless, panoramic view of your surroundings. You shouldn’t rely solely on your mirrors, though; before changing lanes, entering a highway, pulling into a busy intersection, or making a turn, you must look both ways first. Vehicles can appear out of nowhere, which is why you must always exercise caution to avoid accidentally pulling out in front of someone. You should also check other blind spots, including those behind your windshield pillars and the ones behind road signs.

Avoid Distractions

The number one cause of auto accidents is distracted driving, which includes anything that takes your attention off the road, whether it’s fiddling with the GPS, texting, changing radio channels, talking on the phone, or eating. When you’re behind the wheel, you’re not only responsible for your own safety as well as that of your passengers; you’re also responsible for the safety of other drivers and pedestrians on the road, so make sure you give it your undivided attention. If you need to pick up something off the floor, help your kids in the backseat, make a phone call, or check the GPS, make sure you pull over first.

Practice Defensive Driving

Assuming that a motorist will act as you expect them to is one of the biggest mistakes you can make on the road. If you expect other drivers to remain in their lanes or yield at intersections, you risk being caught off guard if they don’t act as expected. Instead, you should expect other motorists to make mistakes and be prepared to react appropriately to protect yourself and avoid serious collisions. Never assume that other drivers are sober or alert, always follow the traffic laws, and keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards at all times. That way, you can quickly spot any dangers and react accordingly to defend yourself against collisions.

As unfortunate as it is, it is an inescapable fact that, sometimes, accidents can still happen no matter how cautious we are. However, by putting these tips into practice, motorists can reduce their risk of getting involved in a serious crash. Not only will these safe driving habits help keep you safe, but they will also ensure that you’re not contributing to the risks other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and bikers face on the road.