Avoiding Car Accidents

Posted in: Driving Courses, Driving Tips.

Avoiding Car Accidents

Driving a vehicle is pretty simple. Just jump in the car, start it up and go. That is what most people tend to do until the one fateful moment when they are in a car accident. Why? Because they didn’t make sure their vehicle was in proper working order and they were too distracted with either talking on the phone, with their passengers, or just not paying attention.

Instructors in driving schools in Brisbane recommend that all drivers, new and experienced, should get into the habit of looking at their vehicle upon approaching it. After a while the driver can usually tell if a tire is going low. Pay attention when starting the vehicle to make sure that all the warning lights are off such as fuel levels, engine coolant and the engine light. A lot of people tend to ignore the engine light and this can cause major problems down the road. While walking towards the vehicle it’s simple to take in the surroundings, making sure that no people, animals or other items are around the vehicle that may cause an accident before even getting to the road.

Once on the road, drivers are encouraged to try to avoid the fast lane. Using the center lane on multilane roads allows the driver more options of an “escape route” if a problem does arise. Always knowing what is around you gives you the opportunity to quickly change lanes or pull over to the side of the road. Statistics show that most accidents occur in the left lane so its best to avoid this lane unless carefully passing another vehicle.

Scanning the roadways in front of you, not just the back of the car who you happen to be stuck behind, increases your ability to see problems up ahead, giving you ample time to back off and react without slamming into the car in front of you if they make a sudden stop.

Professional instructors in all driving schools push their students to constantly check their mirrors. Since they are installed on vehicles to help motorist see their surroundings, they need to be utilized properly. Knowing your vehicles blind spots, using the mirrors and actually looking around will assist you in knowing what is around you, minimizing the chance of being in an accident. One of the biggest causes of accidents with large trucks and other drivers is that people tend to stay in their blind spot. Paying attention to other drivers will help you both.

Seasoned drivers tend to relax and drive with their hand at the 12 o’clock position or resting on the base of the steering wheel. In this position, it takes the average driver longer to respond to potential accidents because they have to move their bodies and their hands to avoid the problem area. Driving with your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock on the wheel is the recommended, quickest response position for optimal maneuvering.

Racecar drivers are up close and personal with their steering wheel because it allows them to maintain more control of the wheel. The average driver should take cue from the professionals and move their seat close enough that the wrist rests on top of the steering wheel while leaning back comfortably in the seat. This allows your arms the optimum evasive maneuvering position and reduces fatigue on the arms.

Taking your eyes from the road for any reason is a potential safety hazard and could result in an accident. The most important thing to remember when driving is to prevent distractions, stay focused.

Author Bio:

Mark Long being an author and as an avid traveler he is an experienced driver in different countries. Taking driving lessons in Brisbane was a positive experience. Utilizing local driving schools in Brisbane tips he enjoys sharing his knowledge by writing niche articles.

Tags: advanced driver, driving schools, driving tips, multilane roads, safety hazard, Seasoned drivers, vehicles blind spots