You can never completely remove the risk that you’ll get injured in a traffic accident. After all, someone could hit your car even if you’ve never made a single driving mistake in your life. It’s frustrating to feel that loss of control, but other drivers really do have a say in how safe you are.
That said, you can take steps to make accidents less likely. One way to do it is by knowing what actions to avoid. Here are five things to keep in mind:
- Listening to music while you drive. If you become really connected to a song or emotionally invested, it’s a big distraction.
- Texting or talking on your phone. Even if you are looking at the road, the conversation itself takes your mind off of driving.
- Driving under the influence. Every year, thousands of people pass away in car accidents involving drivers who have been using alcohol or drugs.
- Breaking the speed limit. You only have so much time to avoid a crash, and driving over the speed limit reduces that reaction time, even if it’s someone else who makes a mistake.
- Driving with passengers in the car. Other people are highly distracting, and this is especially a problem with teen drivers.
Your goal should always be a calm, quiet drive where you obey the traffic laws and keep your focus on the road. That’s the best way to stay safe year in and year out.
That said, as noted above, other drivers still play a role in this process, and they can cause serious injuries. If you get hurt, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills.