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We all assume the risk of getting into an accident each time we get behind the wheel. This article gives accident prevention tips you may want to think about or consider while you are driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone is involved in a car accident every 10 seconds in the United States. This large rate of car accidents makes them the most common personal injury case in the court today.

We could give you the usual tips such as don’t tailgate and look both ways before entering an intersection, but there is more to safe driving than that. There are numerous things drivers should do to protect themselves and family on the road.

When driving down a multi lane road it would be wise to drive in a middle lane, not the fast lane. If you are in the middle lane instead of the fast lane you have more options if you need to get out of the way to avoid an accident. Also, when driving in the fast lane down interstate 80 you will be more noticeable to highway patrol than if you were in the right lane.

You should be looking around the entire area in front of you, meaning not just the car in front of you but also the cars and traffic in front of them. This will help you to notice any issues quicker so you have more time to act appropriately, this is especially important in Iowa during deer season. Deer jump out of nowhere at any time, if you are alert and watching what is going on in front of you, you will be more prepared.

Another way to keep control of your vehicle on the road is to drive with your hands in the 9 and 3 o’clock position. Most of us use either one hand or rest both hands at the bottom of the steering wheel. If you are put in the position where you need to do some quick maneuvering, you will have better control of your car if your hands are in the proper position. Driving on the interstate around in the Des Moines area there is always a ton of semis and traffic around I-35 and I-80, you have to be able to act quickly when there are so many cars and trucks surrounding you.

Keeping your car in good shape is one of the easier things you can do to avoid an accident.
Be sure to check your tires. Hopefully they haven’t lost their tread to keep from sliding on the road, if they have it’s time to change them, because this can cause major accidents on a busy highway or interstate. There are many reports from the Iowa State Patrol regarding tire problems causing accidents.

You should always judge a driver by the condition of their car. If a person’s car looks like it hasn’t been taken care of such as having dirty windows or body damage, this might be a reflection on the driver as being inattentive as well. When you are watching other drivers, if their car is drifting all over the lane they are most likely tired, drunk, or using their cell phone- it would be wise to get away from them.

Driving during the daylight versus nighttime can benefit you. If you prefer driving at night to avoid traffic you are creating a larger risk of being in an accident, because more than likely you will be more tired and you have a decreased field of vision. You also take the risk of coming across people driving after leaving the bar or a party.

Driving is a dangerous risk that most of us assume every day. We can learn all there is to know about being safe drivers, yet this won’t fully protect us from getting into an accident. These tips are intended to let you know what to look for. If you have any questions about a car accident or if you or a loved one has been in a car accident, our team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair are here to help.

Learn more about how to deal with a car accident:
Visit our Injured Iowan Website
Watch a video about dealing with your car accident
Request a Free copy of our Car Accident Book
Contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair about a free consultation