10 ways of avoiding car accidents in the UK
Some of the top ten ways to avoid a car accident on Britain´s roads include:
1.Keep your distance from the vehicle in front. Tailgating causes hundreds of accidents every year, when the car in front stops or slows down, and the driver behind ploughs into the back of them. If someone is driving too close to your vehicle, pull over at a safe spot and let them pass.
2.Never drink and drive. Even one glass of beer will affect your reactions behind the wheel, so arrange a designated driver for the evening if you are going out.
3.Always wear seatbelts in the back and front of vehicles. Buckling up only takes a second and can save your life in an accident. Children should always be in a booster seat or car seats until they are tall enough and heavy enough to sit by themselves. Never put a child in a car or booster seat in the front passenger seat or other seat with air bags. Children should generally be 12 and older when sitting in the front passenger seat.
4.Keep your car well maintained, and get it serviced at least every 12 months. Make sure windscreen wipers are working, tyres are safe, brakes and lights are functioning properly, and headrests are adjusted to the proper height. If you are unfortunate to suffer an accident, a properly-positioned headrest can prevent serious injury.
5.Notice how many skid marks there are near motorway exits. This is because drivers don´t signal in time when turning off. Not only does this cause them to stop abruptly, but it also increases the risk of the driver behind ploughing in to the back of you. Always give plenty of notice if you are pulling off the road.
6.Use your lights properly at night. Always dim lights when traffic is approaching and/or when you are following another vehicle. Full beam lights can temporarily blind drivers coming in the other direction, causing serious accidents.
7.If you are travelling in wintry conditions, de-ice your windscreen thoroughly before you start, and keep de-icer in your car. Also drive very slowly and keep your distance from the car in front.
8.Avoid distractions where possible. If you want to eat or drink in your car, pull over where it is safe to stop and don´t eat while you are driving. Noisy children and loud music is also a common distraction to drivers. Users of mobile phones are four times more likely to be involved in an accident.
9.Avoid the fast lane of the motorway. If you use the middle or slow lane, you will have more escape routes if a problem arises, which requires you to change lanes quickly or move out of the way. Most motorway accidents happen in the fast lane.
10.Keep you eyes on traffic ahead, and not just on the car in front. This will increase your chances of seeing a problem in the distance, and give you ample time to react to it. It will also reduce the risk of ploughing into the car in front, should they come to a sudden stop.
If you suffer a car accident through no fault of your own, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. Contact a personal injury solicitor who works on a no win, no fee basis, and one who will pay you 100% of any compensation.