How to Avoid Collisions When Driving

Confirm the directions to your destination if you are driving to an unknown location so that you are not forced to make turns, change lanes, or stop unexpectedly., Pay attention to the road ahead of you, especially when you are driving down...

21 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Confirm the directions to your destination if you are driving to an unknown location so that you are not forced to make turns

    If you focus on directions and not on road safety, you are more likely to cause a driving collision.
  2. Step 2: change lanes

    You should always be looking ahead, anticipating cars braking and people crossing the road.

    Ideally, you should be aware of what's going on up to 15 to 20 seconds ahead of you so you can respond accordingly and safely. , With text messaging becoming so popular, many states are making it illegal to text while driving so as to avoid driving accidents.

    If you are afraid you may be tempted, put your phone away.

    Consider investing in a Bluetooth so you can use the phone hands-free.

    Don't be distracted by children.

    Explain that they need to stay quiet while driving.

    The sooner they understand safe driving, the better.

    If children become unruly, pull the car over when it is safe and deal with them. , You should be able to see the back tires of the car in front of you touching the road. , If you are forced to get on the road, drive slowly, brake sooner, and increase the distance between you and the driver in front. , It is safer to just let obnoxious drivers pass on by.

    Getting aggravated will only negatively impact your driving and possibly cause a car accident. , When safe, look over your shoulder and confirm that it is clear for you to make your move. , And always use your signals so other drivers know what you are doing. , Check your tire pressure, wipers, wiper fluid, lights, and brakes often, but especially before heading out on long journeys.

    Always keep your inspections up to date.
  3. Step 3: or stop unexpectedly.

  4. Step 4: Pay attention to the road ahead of you

  5. Step 5: especially when you are driving down residential or busy

  6. Step 6: car-lined streets.

  7. Step 7: Avoid distractions like your cell phone and other people in the car.

  8. Step 8: Don't drive too close to the back of other vehicles.

  9. Step 9: Accommodate for bad weather

  10. Step 10: and avoid driving altogether when the roads are wet

  11. Step 11: slushy

  12. Step 12: or slippery

  13. Step 13: if at all possible.

  14. Step 14: Don't lose your cool with other drivers.

  15. Step 15: Remember that you have a blind spot over your shoulder

  16. Step 16: so if you are taking a corner or changing lanes

  17. Step 17: don't rely on your mirrors alone.

  18. Step 18: Check your rear-view mirrors every 5 - 8 seconds

  19. Step 19: especially when you are slowing down

  20. Step 20: so that you are aware of what is going on around you.

  21. Step 21: Maintain your vehicle on a regular basis.

Detailed Guide

If you focus on directions and not on road safety, you are more likely to cause a driving collision.

You should always be looking ahead, anticipating cars braking and people crossing the road.

Ideally, you should be aware of what's going on up to 15 to 20 seconds ahead of you so you can respond accordingly and safely. , With text messaging becoming so popular, many states are making it illegal to text while driving so as to avoid driving accidents.

If you are afraid you may be tempted, put your phone away.

Consider investing in a Bluetooth so you can use the phone hands-free.

Don't be distracted by children.

Explain that they need to stay quiet while driving.

The sooner they understand safe driving, the better.

If children become unruly, pull the car over when it is safe and deal with them. , You should be able to see the back tires of the car in front of you touching the road. , If you are forced to get on the road, drive slowly, brake sooner, and increase the distance between you and the driver in front. , It is safer to just let obnoxious drivers pass on by.

Getting aggravated will only negatively impact your driving and possibly cause a car accident. , When safe, look over your shoulder and confirm that it is clear for you to make your move. , And always use your signals so other drivers know what you are doing. , Check your tire pressure, wipers, wiper fluid, lights, and brakes often, but especially before heading out on long journeys.

Always keep your inspections up to date.

About the Author

J

John Young

Experienced content creator specializing in practical skills guides and tutorials.

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