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7 Ways to Avoid a Traffic Accident
Over 90 percent of auto accidents are avoidable. There are eight such instances where you can completely circumvent collisions with a little precaution and common-sense.
- Intersection Errors. Intersection and intersection-related crashes make up approximately 23 percent of all fatal crashes. More than half of all injury and fatal crashes occur at intersections. Look around carefully and always proceed with caution into an intersection, even if you have the right of way.
- Improper Lane Changes. Watch for the other vehicles. Before you change, check all mirrors, and signal long before you change.
- Inattention. Pay close attention on your own driving, other drivers, driving conditions, and pedestrians.
- Vehicle Malfunction. Have regular checkups, particularly of wiper fluid, tires, and brakes, and replace wiper blades as soon as they are worn.
- Following too Close. Most rear-end accidents are caused by tailgating. Maintain a 3-second following distance from the car in front of you, except in hazardous weather conditions where you should maintain a 4- or 5-car following distance.
- Unsafe Speeds. The economic cost of speeding-related crashes is estimated to be $40.4 billion each year. Excessive speed greatly increases impact and injuries because it reduces reaction time.
- Dangerous Roads. Ice tends to develop more frequently on bridges, overpasses, shady spots, and intersections. Rain, snow, and fog conditions require slower speeds and much greater caution.
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