- Distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, aggressive behavior, and poor vehicle maintenance are common causes of vehicular accidents.
- Stay focused while driving and obey traffic laws to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Get regular oil changes, tire rotations/alignments, brake repairs, and fluid checks to keep your car running safely.
- By following these tips, you can help make the roads safer for everyone.
If you’re a car guy, you probably love the thrill of the open road. There’s nothing quite like being behind the wheel of a powerful machine, feeling the wind in your hair as you push the pedals to the floor and tear up the pavement.
But with great power comes great responsibility, and awareness of the common causes of vehicular accidents is essential. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a newbie behind the wheel, here are a few things you need to know.
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of vehicular accidents is distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that distracted driving is responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries each year.
Texting while driving, eating and drinking, applying makeup, adjusting the radio, and even talking to passengers can all be distractions that take your focus off the road. To avoid accidents, stay focused on the task at hand.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of vehicular accidents. When you’re driving too fast, you have less time to react to obstacles on the road, and your vehicle is more difficult to control. Speeding increases the likelihood of accidents, and it also increases the severity of injuries if an accident does occur. If you want to stay safe on the road, obey the speed limit and give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense that can have deadly consequences. Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and reaction time, making it harder to stay alert and focused on the road. If you’re going out for a night on the town, make sure you have a designated driver or plan to take a taxi or rideshare service.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is another common cause of vehicular accidents. Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and cutting off other drivers can all lead to accidents. If you’re feeling frustrated or angry on the road, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Engaging in aggressive behavior can put you and other drivers at risk.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Finally, poor vehicle maintenance can also contribute to accidents. Poor maintenance can cause issues in your car that can make it difficult to control your vehicle and respond to obstacles on the road. To stay safe, make sure you keep up with these four essential maintenance tasks:
Oil changes
Oil changes are essential to keep your engine running smoothly and help avoid significant problems down the road. You should get an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Tire rotation and alignment
Tires should be rotated and aligned regularly to help them last longer and improve your car’s handling. Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and have the alignment checked if you feel any shaking or wobbling in your steering wheel.
Brake maintenance
Brakes should be inspected and serviced regularly to ensure they’re working correctly. Have your brakes checked at least once a year or more often if you start to notice any performance issues, such as excessive noise or squealing.
And make sure you get the job done by a reliable brake repair service provider. They can help spot any underlying issues and make sure your brakes are in good working order. They can also repair and replace any worn-out parts.
Fluid checks
Lastly, have the fluid levels in your car checked regularly. You should check your power steering, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant levels at least once a year or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
By making sure your vehicle is adequately maintained, you can help avoid accidents and stay safe on the road.
To sum it up, distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, aggressive behavior on the road, and poor vehicle maintenance are all significant causes of vehicular accidents. As a motorhead who loves to feel the thrill of being behind the wheel, you must take responsibility for your own safety and that of other drivers on the road.
Make sure you stay focused while driving and obey traffic laws at all times. You should also get regular oil changes, tire rotations/alignments, brake repairs, and fluid checks to keep your car running smoothly and safely on the roads.