Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents in California

Category One – Animal Collisions

Though our car accident law firm sees the results of this type of accident often, we never seem to expect to collide with an animal. The main cause of these accidents is driving too fast, distractions, and not considering an unexpected event.

Tips:

• Drive the speed limit
• If visibility is poor due to weather, drive slower than the speed limit
• Never allow yourself to be distracted with cell phones, eating while driving, or trying to entertain riders. Pay attention while operating a motor vehicle.

Category Two – Hydroplaning

Driving in an area with diverse weather means dealing with water. When your car goes through a pool of water, the tires must push the water aside while the rubber stays in contact with the road. The main cause for hydroplaning is driving too fast for the road conditions and worn or improperly inflated tires.

Tips:

• Slow down if the roads are holding pools of water
• Have your tires checked and rotated as per the manufacturer’s maintenance guide
• Replace worn tires
• Check the air levels of the tires and adjust when needed

Category Three – Collisions with Parked Cars

Drivers who report colliding with parked cars often explain they were not familiar with the location of the accident. If a driver is looking in too many places at once trying to find their way and listening to passengers who “know” where to go, they will tend to lose focus. While trying to maneuver, they will sometimes strike a car that is parked.

Tips:

• Use your GPS system to help you find your way
• Remember you are operating a vehicle so drive responsibly (even if you must circle through more than once)
• Use your cell phone but do not get distracted while driving
• Allow yourself extra time

Category Four – Rear Enders

Studies show that 29% of all accidents in the United States are rear-enders. This means a car is struck in the rear by the automobile traveling behind it. The driver that hit the car in front of them is almost always found liable because they did not leave enough space between the cars to safely stop. If you are injured in a rear-ender, contact a car accident attorney today.

Tips:

• Always leave 15 to 20 feet between you and the car in front of you.
• Do not allow yourself to be distracted (you may not notice if they suddenly slow down)
• An easy way to judge a safe distance is to make sure you can see the bottom of the rear tires of the car in front of you. If you cannot, you are too close.

Category Five – Side Impact Crashes

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported in 2009, that 27% of passenger vehicle deaths occurred in side impact collisions. This type of accident happens when one driver fails to stop and hits the side of another moving vehicle,

Tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Always come to a complete stop at a stop sign
• Do not try to beat a yellow light

Bonus Tips

• Never assume your blind spot is clear.
• Do not let passengers tell you how to drive
• Keep your car well maintained
• Always wear your seatbelts

Make sure children are properly restrained in car seats.

If you are injured in a car crash, contact a car accident lawyer today to discuss your case.