There are many causes of car accidents, and driver error is a leading cause. Thankfully, defensive driving, a technique that can help drivers avoid car accidents by anticipating dangerous situations and taking steps to prevent them, can help mitigate the risk of car accidents.
How can you drive in a defensive manner?
Start by being aware of your car’s surroundings. This means checking your mirrors regularly and using them to get a complete view of what’s going on around you. Be especially aware of other drivers, who may not be paying attention or might be driving recklessly.
Secondly, always leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should never tailgate another car, as this can lead to accidents if the car in front of you brakes suddenly. You should also try to use your car’s turn signals when changing lanes or turning as much as possible.
Third, try to avoid aggressive behavior, such as speeding or weaving in and out of traffic. These actions can lead to car accidents by distracting you from the road ahead of you.
Finally, get ready to take evasive action if necessary. If you see a car speeding towards you or notice something else that could lead to a car accident, don’t wait to take action; hit the brake and steer out of the way.
Seeking compensation after a car accident
You may be good at driving defensively, but you can’t control the actions of other drivers. If you’re involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention, if necessary, and call the police. After gathering your evidence, including pictures or videos of the scene and getting any witness statements, file an insurance claim.
If the other driver was at fault, they may be required to pay for damages caused by the car accident. Defensive driving can help you avoid car accidents, but if you do find yourself in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to understand the steps you need to take to receive compensation.
