Avoiding car accidents by driving safe
Even if you are a professional driver with years of experience under your belt, you should not get too carried away and think that you are safe from being involved in a car accident.
Car accidents are caused as a result of a variety of factors, from adverse weather conditions to mechanical defects, but quite often they are caused by careless or impaired drivers who put the lives of others at risk. Read more about car accidents as a result of reckless driving.
We have put together some valid driving advice to make sure that you avoid the chances of having a car accident and stay safe from harm, regardless of the weather, the distance you are driving or your driving experience.
Advice for new drivers
- Think about taking an advanced driving course, such as Pass Plus, which will help increase your confidence and skill as a driver and lower your car insurance rates. Read more about road safety initiatives.
- Make sure that you get plenty of experience driving with someone else in the car before you attempt driving long distance or taking on busy, unfamiliar roads.
- Make sure you tell a friend or family member where you are driving to and your expected time of arrival when attempting your first long-distance trip alone.
- Remember to take your time and be extra cautious because if you get six points or more during your first two years of driving, then you will lose your licence.
Advice for driving long-distance
- Plan out your journey, including scheduled time for breaks.
- Drive with another qualified driver so that you can share the driving.
- Drive with the radio on low so that your brain stays alert.
- If you start to feel drowsy open the windows, stop the car in a safe place and have a walk around and have a drink of water or herbal tea (anything containing too much sugar or caffeine could have adverse effects).
Advice for driving in the winter
- Always listen to weather reports before setting out on a journey.
- Avoid going out if the weather is bad or plan a route which will avoid the worst of the weather.
- Make sure you are well-prepared and have jump leads, a length of tow rope and plenty of warm clothing in case of a breakdown or emergency.
- Ensure that your tyres have good tread as the roads tend to be slippery during the winter.
- Make sure that you decrease your speed and increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front when the roads are icy or damp.
Advice for driving in the summer
- Make sure that you have plenty of breaks (roughly every one-two hours) and drive with the windows open or air conditioning on.
- Make sure that you carry plenty of water with you so that you do not become dehydrated.
- Avoid driving between 11.00am and 2.00pm, when the sun is at its hottest.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun.
- If driving with your open top down or with the windows open remember to apply sun block.
Making a car accident claim
If you have been involved in a car accident through no fault of your own, then we are here to help you claim the personal injury compensation which is rightfully yours.
Our personal injury solicitors have a wealth of experience at dealing with car accident claims and an excellent success rate.
They can offer you free legal advice and build a strong case so that you can claim for pain, suffering, lost earnings, medical expenses and much more. Read more about what you can claim for.
They even work on a no win no fee basis and we guarantee that you won't have to pay a penny towards the claims process, no matter what the outcome of your case.
Either fill out one of our online claim forms or give us a call on 0800 197 32 32 to make a car accident claim today.
