In the United States, 6.3 million automobile crashes were reported in the year 2001. Over forty-thousand of the accidents resulted in fatalities. Year after year, the driving toll of traffic accident increases. Vehicle maintenance and driving defensively are critical in auto injury prevention. Understanding how to prevent car crashes is the safest way to safety proof the driving experience.

10 Safety Driving Basics

Properly adjust headrests.
For automobiles with adjustable headrests, adjust and lock them into place. The chances of head or neck injury in a collision can be reduced by adjusting the headrest to the proper position. Moreover, a proper fitted headrest may provide protection better than a passive restraint.

Check your tire pressure
Improper tire pressure and worn treads will hinder the steering performance of an automobile, allowing a higher risk for an accident. During the winter, the temperature can cause tires to become under-inflated. Check tire pressure on a regular basis.

Save your brakes.
Many car accidents could be prevented if drivers watched the road. Look 10 to 12 seconds down the road to where potential trouble spots may occur. Avoid jamming on the breaks. This will maintain better control of your automobile. Furthermore, it will extend the life of your brakes while economizing on fuel.

Engage antilock brakes.
Antilock brakes are designed to keep brakes from locking up. They allow better control of the vehicle. During an emergency, stomp hard on the brakes. Keep your foot firmly engaged on the pedal. Never pump your brakes because it will impede their effectiveness. The heavier the automobile, the longer it will take the car to stop (i.e. SUVs and 4-wheel drives).

Use signals early.
Many drivers are tailgaters. To ensure other drivers adequate reaction time, use turning indicators 4-10 seconds prior to making a lane change or turn.

Create driving space.
A fourth of all vehicle crashes are rear-impact. Additionally, it accounts for 4% of passenger fatalities. These types of car accidents can be avoided by not tailgating. Allow an adequate amount of distance between the cars in front of you. Driving close to another automobile will not change the rate that you reach your destination. During regular driving conditions, leave 2-3 car lengths ahead of you when driving 20-35 mph. When driving 60-70 mph, try to leave eight vehicles spaces.

Never use cruise control during in climate conditions.
In rain, snow or icy conditions, an activated cruise control system continually applies power and keeps vehicle wheels spinning. Never use cruise control during in climate conditions. In order to maintain control of your car, reduce power and wheel spin.

Prevent front-impact crashes.
With over 45 percent of passenger-vehicle crashes being front-impact crashes, they account for 39 percent of fatalities. Talking on the phone, eating, or pre-occupation with anything other than driving are the primary causes for car accidents. Remaining alert and focused while operating an automobile can prevent these casualties. If you must drive while talking on the phone, use a headset or other type of hands-free device. Drivers who drive while talking on a cell phone are 4o percent more apt to be involved in a driving incident, than a driver who is not using a cell phone.

Avoid Rollovers.
On average, only 3 percent of automobile accidents are rollovers; however, they account for approximately 30% of all car crash fatalities. Rollovers are more prevalent in SUVs and pick-up trucks because
they have a higher center of gravity. In other words, rapid driving on curves or sudden lane changes can trigger rollover. Heed caution when changing lanes or driving on curvaceous roads.

Prevent car-truck crashes.
The AAA Foundation conducted a research study regarding car and truck accidents. It found that 72 percent of all driving errors are attributed to automobile car drivers versus 25 percent for truckers. Trucks cannot stop or swerve as rapidly as cars can. To prevent car-truck crashes, avoid driving directly in front, on the side or the back of trucks. Generally, commercial trucks have blind spots around the parameters making it difficult for the driver of the truck to see automobiles that are in close approximation. If you are unable to see the trucker in his or her mirror, then you are not visible to the driver of the truck.

 

Do not drive under the influence.
Timing, vision and attention are impaired with alcohol use. Transportation should be planned prior to reaching your destination by assigning a designated driver.