Collisions are terrible to most car enthusiasts To some, a car is simply an efficient way to get from point A to point B. To others, a vehicle is an investment worthy of your time and money. Car enthusiasts spend hoards of cash funding new-and-improved features, like paint jobs, carbon-fiber additions, and internal speaker systems. If you spend hours buffing out the smallest scratches and power-washing specks of dirt from your beloved vehicle, you may be an avid car lover.
However, even the most diligent car enthusiasts experience mishaps when it comes to their four-wheeled companion. Accidents can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of the precautions you take. Everyone has experienced impatient drivers who ride your tail-pipe or weave in and out through traffic. More often than not, reckless drivers spark devastating accidents.
If you find yourself in the middle of an unfortunate collision or incident, you may be looking at steep costs to get your prized possession looking fresh again. Essential auto body repairs can cost a pretty penny, especially if your whip features state-of-the-art parts and additions. Cracked windshields, suspension damage, dented exterior features, and scuffed paint jobs are typical damages associated with motor accidents, with varying costs depending on make, model, and severity.
However, you can avoid costly accidents to your cherished vehicle by following these eight tips-and-tricks for safe, smooth-sailing travels.
Take a defensive driving course
The first step in avoiding vehicle-related accidents is honing your safe driving skills. While you can’t control others around you, you can maintain good habits, which will help you avoid collisions and keep a watchful eye for distracted drivers. By taking a safe driving course like this, you can refresh your knowledge on fundamental safe-driving techniques and learn how to sidestep perilous situations.
Driving course instructors prefer to teach defensive driving instead of aggressive or timid driving patterns that often lead to significant accidents. By brushing up on traffic laws, safety features, and road safety fundamentals, you’ll catch reckless drivers from a mile away and dodge damaging incidents for you and your car.
Additionally, if you’re looking to lower your insurance premium or wipe a previous record clean, safe driving courses offer benefits that decrease rates and expunge roadway violations.
Focus on the road to avoid collisions
A high-traffic area isn’t the place to test your multitasking abilities. Keep focused and watch the lanes diligently to evade distraction-related accidents. While it may be tempting to answer a quick text or fiddle with the radio, it’s not worth the damage caused when you accidentally rear-end an unsuspecting driver.
Avoid peak traffic hours
Many accidents occur during peak traffic hours as drivers itch to get home from their 9-5 day job. If you can avoid commuting during traffic-heavy periods and steer clear of congested areas when taking leisure drives. Additionally, stay home during hazardous weather conditions to dodge snow-related incidents and slippery highways.
Maintain a safe distance
Keep in mind you’re responsible for your safety. While on the road, keep a safe distance from drivers ahead of you to allow for adequate response time. Additionally, take extra precautions around motorcycles, freights, and large trucks that can cause more devastating damage when collisions occur.
Check your speed
Speeding causes more accidents than almost any other bad driving habit. To avoid dangerous high-speed incidents, keep an eye on your speedometer and pay close attention to highway signals and roadway signs. Not only will you stay safe, but you’ll avoid expensive tickets from highway patrol officers.
Avoid collisions with lingering blind spots
Unfortunately, you can’t guarantee other drivers will engage in safety precautions with collisions. However, you can stay safe by steering clear of blind spots and making yourself visible to other drivers. Creating a buffer between you and the cars around you gives you more time to react if traffic goes awry.
Parting thoughts about collisions
Few things are worse than picking up a brand-new, state-of-the-art vehicle, only to crash it immediately. Evade dangerous incidents and avoidable collisions by practicing safe driving habits and keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings. That way, your prized possession can take leisure drives through your city without fear of imminent danger.
