In 2020 alone, there were nearly 100,000 car crashes in Arizona. Of those, 28,610 resulted in injuries. To keep yourself and your passengers safe, it’s crucial to prioritize safety at all times behind the wheel. These safety tips can help you avoid auto accidents and the resulting injuries.

3 Tips for Preventing Auto Accidents

1. Limit Distractions

One of the leading causes of accidents is distracted driving. To ensure you keep your eyes on the road, put your phone in the console or glove box before leaving the parking space. If you need directions, buy a separate GPS system for your dashboard or turn off all notifications when using your phone’s maps. 

Keep the radio's volume low and encourage your passengers to wear headphones if they’re listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. Avoid eating, putting on makeup, or conducting any other activities that might take your focus off driving.

2. Adjust to Your Environment

The ideal driver makes adjustments to their driving based on the people and things around them. For example, if it’s raining or foggy and visibility is reduced, it’s vital to lower your speed and turn on your headlights. 

You’ll also want to increase your following distance, so you have longer to brake if the car in front of you stops short. Similarly, winding or narrow roads call for slower speeds than straight, wide ones. If the drivers around you are operating their vehicles recklessly, the best choice may be to pull over, if you can do so safely, and wait for them to move on.

3. Take Precautions

Not all accidents can be avoided, but you can reduce the risk and severity of an injury by taking precautions. All passengers should wear their seatbelts before the car is put into drive. Small children should sit in the back and have appropriately sized car seats for their height or weight. 

Broken or chipped windows should be repaired immediately, as these could cause additional injuries in a crash. It’s also important to prioritize auto maintenance, as the condition of your braking system, air bags, and other safety features will be crucial to reducing harm.

If you get in an auto accident, you can rely on Accident Doctors to help you recover. With locations in Mesa, Phoenix, and Gilbert, AZ, they treat car accident patients and offer referrals to attorneys, chiropractors, and physical therapists. No matter your symptoms, they will identify the source of your pain and help you take the first steps on the road to recovery. To learn more about their physicians, visit the website. Call (602) 632-0000 for an appointment.