Tips for Preventing Car Accidents

A car accident can happen to anyone at any time, even to those who carefully follow the rules of the road. In the event that you do become involved in a crash, contact a car accident lawyer in Mineola promptly. Your car accident lawyer can advise you as to the next steps you need to take to protect yourself legally and financially. In the meantime, lawyers generally recommend the following guidelines to reduce your risk of a car crash.

Maintain Your Vehicle
An improperly maintained vehicle increases your risk of becoming involved in a car accident. Accident lawyers strongly recommend inflating your tires to the proper pressure and making sure your lights are working. Additionally, replace your windshield wipers regularly to improve your visibility in inclement weather.

Adjust for Weather Conditions
New Yorkers are accustomed to driving in poor weather conditions. However, even if you have extensive experience driving on icy roads, it’s still important to adjust your driving to suit the conditions. Slow down and leave additional space between your car and the car in front of you. You may wish to slow down even further on bridges in the winter because the cold air flowing underneath bridges increases the likelihood of black ice. Even during the summer, exercise caution during downpours. The rain can make the oil buildup on the road quite slick. Additionally, be observant while driving; many people engage in reckless driving despite poor weather conditions.

Avoid Distractions
Get into the habit of turning off your cell phone each time you get behind the wheel. Cellphones are a significant cause of distracted driving, which causes countless car crashes each year. In addition to avoiding the use of electronic gadgets, try to avoid other sources of distraction, such as eating, drinking, and talking while driving.

Beware Parking Lot Hazards
Due to the significantly reduced speed involved with driving through parking lots, many people let down their guard. However, an accident can be deadly at any speed. Parking lots can be particularly hazardous because of the limited field of vision. Watch out for pedestrians; a small child can quickly dart out between parked cars and enter the path of an oncoming vehicle.