Car crashes can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash and other serious injuries. These crashes can also result in fatalities. In fact, approximately 1.3 million people are killed in vehicle crashes every year. While some of these crashes are caused by unforeseen circumstances, the majority of them are due to negligent behavior.

If you make an effort to become a more defensive driver, you will be less likely to be involved in a crash. Here are seven ways to avoid getting into a car crash:

Keep Your Eyes On The Road

Diverting your attention away from the road for even a few seconds can be dangerous. In 2015 alone, 3,477 deaths were caused by distracted driving. That’s why you should do nothing else but focus on the road in front of you when you are behind the wheel. If you chat on the phone or send a text message, it can distract you from driving.

If you have to get a hold of someone, pull into a safe spot before you contact them.

Avoid Driving At Night

Your chances of getting into a car crash is three times greater at night than it is in the daytime. It’s more difficult to see the road clearly in the dark, especially if you have poor night vision. The roads are also more crowded in the evening and more drunk drivers tend to be out. If you can help it, try to avoid driving after dark.

Be Aware Of Other Drivers

Just because you are a careful driver, doesn’t mean all the other drivers on the road are. It’s important to pay attention to the drivers around you. If a driver is swerving into other lanes or seems to be distracted by his or her smartphone, you should try to get away from that person.

Don’t Drive In The Fast Lane

If you are in a hurry to get somewhere, you may be tempted to drive in the left-hand lane on the highway. However, this is where the majority of crashes occur because drivers tend to speed more often. It’s safer to stay in the middle or right-hand lanes.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Vehicles that aren’t properly maintained are more likely to cause crashes. For example, if a car’s brakes haven’t been serviced in a while, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and put everyone on the road in danger. To reduce the risk of getting into an crash, remember to maintain and service your vehicle regularly.

Don’t Use Cruise Control

When you are driving for hours at a time, cruise control is a great feature to have. However, it isn’t recommended to use this feature when there’s snow or ice on the roads. Your vehicle could skid and start spinning its wheels rapidly, forcing you to lose control.

Avoid Driving Too Closely Behind Other Vehicles

Even if a vehicle is driving super slow, you should avoid getting too close to it. If the driver has to stop suddenly, you could run into it. Aim to stay at least a car length away from the vehicle ahead of you.

Even if you follow all the rules of the road, other people can still drive carelessly. If you were injured in an crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you should speak to a reputable personal injury lawyer. He or she can help you file an crash claim and get justice for what you have been through. Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee, so you won’t owe any fees upfront.

If you are searching for a personal injury attorney, contact Ringsmuth Wuori PLLC.