As accident replacement vehicle specialists, we understand the many varied reasons why people find themselves in accidents, both unintentionally through their own doing or due to a not-at-fault accident. However, despite the fault of the accident, there are many reasons why accidents happen, usually because of avoidable yet seemingly harmless actions. We take you through the everyday driving habits that cause car accidents, outlining the activities that can cause you, your passengers, and other drivers serious harm.
Distractions
As learner drivers, we’re taught to concentrate on the road and driving, removing all distractions from temptation. As we blossom into confident drivers, and the demands of life take over, we find ourselves multitasking in the car, often driving while talking on the phone, listening to loud music, or focusing on life outside of the vehicle. Though there are laws in place to manage distractions, like using your phone in your hands, other distractions require self-management. These include eating, supervising small children, or handsfree conversations.
Head checks
Another skill taught before driving solo is head checks and mirror checks. We know that before changing lanes, making turns and pulling off to the side of the road, we need to ensure it’s safe, so we don’t hit other cars, cyclists or pedestrians. Too often, we ignore this crucial step, and drivers make bold, reckless moves without safety checking first. While sometimes the move doesn’t affect any other road users, quite often these lead to avoidable accidents, where both parties can end up severely injured.
Tailgating
Driving too close to other drivers, otherwise known as tailgating, is an illegal practice, and is the chief reason for not-at-fault accidents. When drivers stay too close to the car in front, they don’t provide themselves with enough time or distance to stop effectively, especially in need of quick braking. What results is a collision with the car in front, impacting at high speed with little control. Tailgating is particularly troublesome on multilane roads, such as freeways and highways, as there is often limited room to pull over with the additional traffic.
Stopping unsafely
Much like failing to head check, stopping unsafely can be a significant contributor to car accidents. Though you may have checked the road around you before stopping, the physical place to stop may be in the path of oncoming traffic, or the spot could be obscured by other landmarks, making it impossible for other drivers to see your car.
Eliminating dangerous habits is a no-brainer when it comes to safe driving but accidents can still happen. If you need an accident replacement car we’ve got you covered.
