They say prevention is better than a cure and as far as car accidents are concerned, there is no denying individuals should do everything in their power to avoid collisions. It’s hard to eliminate the risk when so many elements are at play, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

The negligence causes many accidents which can result in devastation to innocent victims' lives. Consult a car accident lawyer when you need help to get your life back on track. No one should go through financial strain or bankruptcy when another entity or individual is responsible for their losses. Read on to learn tips to prevent road accidents and save yourself the trouble of an insurance claim or civil lawsuit.

How to Maintain Road Safety to Prevent Accidents

Be Alert When Driving

When you are behind the wheel, your eyes should be on the road and nothing else. Avoid multitasking in the car, for example, dealing with children, eating, dressing, texting, etc. If you have other things to do, take a taxi, bus or train. Distraction is the number one cause of accidents in America. Prevent yourself from becoming a statistic by driving responsibly.

Drive at a Safe Speed

Even if your car can go fast, you risk the safety of everyone sharing the road when you speed. Follow the speed limits, especially when driving in the city because of the high number of pedestrians and other cars sharing the road. When you are on a potential collision course while speeding, the time you have to react and stop is reduced, so better safe than sorry. Additionally, you waste more gas when driving at high speeds.

Don’t Drink and Drive

You would think this is common sense for everyone. However, it remains to be a common offense and cause of catastrophic accidents. Many people get behind the wheel when they are intoxicated and attempt to drive home. Drunk driving impairs the senses and can lead to fatal accidents not only to the driver but to other road users.

Respect Other Road Users

Every driver has gone through training to understand when to stop, when to give way, and when to go. Some people are reckless or impatient and will cut off other drivers, ignoring traffic lights and even signals. This should not be you, and in case you encounter such drivers, allow them to pass to minimize your risk. You want to arrive alive so, follow the traffic laws to the letter.

Wear a Safety Belt

This is one of the most important traffic rules, and yet the most ignored. It is a safety device designed to keep you safe in case of an accident, and it takes a second to put on. During a collision, safety belts protect the driver from slamming their head into the steering wheel.

The driver or passengers will also remain seated to prevent being ejected from the vehicle after impact. Babies and small children should also be strapped into their car seats when riding.

Drive a Safe Vehicle

Some accidents are caused by unsafe cars, thus the need to get a vehicle with proper safety features. Choose a vehicle with features like electronic stability control, blind spot protection, rear view cameras, spacing sensors, among other features. Do your research before buying a vehicle because it could potentially save your life.

What to Do in Case of an Accident

Above are tips to protect you by lowering your risk of an accident. However, no one can predict when something goes wrong, and, in that case, you should contact a good car accident lawyer. Their job is to assess your loss, gather evidence, and hold the liable party accountable.