ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE

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1. Never drive your vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (you can get a DUI for illegal as well as prescription drugs).
2. If your windshield is pitted or cracked? It should be replaced. Your glass coverage deductible in many cases is less than your collision deductible. This type of claim will normally not affect your rates (check with your insurance agent for details). In a lot of cases your replacement windshield may be less than your deductible.
3. Is your wiper fluid level is full? This is very easy to check while you are waiting for your vehicle to fill up with gas. It is typically empty when you need it most.
4. Replace your windshield wipers annually. The ability to see clearly decreases your chance of an accident. This will cost you between $20.00 and $100.00 depending on your vehicle. Most auto body shops, mechanical shops, dealerships and parts stores will help you install them for free or a nominal charge.
5. Clean your car windows. You may notice a hazing or fogginess especially on your windshield and you don't even smoke. In many cases this is from plastic in your dash off gassing. In many cases you will have to clean the glass several times to remove all the streaks.
6. Check your auto's tires for dangerous wear. If you can see bald spots or steel cords showing replace your car's tires immediately. Again, tire replacement can be less expensive than your insurance deductible for a collision. Or you may have to pay your deductible due to an accident and then also replace your tires.
7. Check all your lights- Headlights, Side marker lights, Signal lights, Tail lights, Brake lights and Back up lights. Lights help signal other drivers on the road and in the parking lots what you are doing and about to do. It's easy, get a friend or family member to help check all the lights on your vehicle. You should be able to complete this task is less than 30 seconds.
8. Driver Distraction is the cause of many accidents. If you're traveling with someone else, ask them to make any radio or climate control adjustments. Don't try to read, apply make-up, shave or talk on the phone while you drive; handle these activities before or after your trip or at least get out of traffic if you must do any of these enroute.
9. Cell phones and other electronic devices have been proven to impair driving just as much if not more than alcohol.
10. Don't drive when you are tired. On long trips, take a break at least every two hours.
11. Never reach for items that have fallen out of your grasp while driving. This is very dangerous. This takes your attention off the roadway and in a split second an accident can happen.
12. Know your limits. As you get older, your night vision, peripheral vision and reaction time are not as good as they were when you started driving. Don't drive your car at night if you're uncomfortable. Increase the distance you allow between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Schedule appointments so you're not on the road during rush hour. These are good suggestions for newer drivers as well.
13. Use your back up warning system / cameras as an additional tool. Do not solely rely on these devises as you may not judge or see all obstacles correctly.
14. Brake noise and vibrations can be a sign of worn or damaged parts. This may cause your vehicle not to stop as quickly as it should. Check with your local auto body shop or mechanic immediately.
15. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) - make sure you use it correctly. Before the development of ABS, drivers were taught to "pump" their brakes, especially on wet, icy or other slippery roads. ABS essentially does the pumping for you. This helps you stop the vehicle sooner and straighter. Just apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal. The ABS system will pump the brakes to reduce the risk that your vehicle will skid out of control, and will increase your ability to steer as the vehicles speed decreases.
16. Always Stop Ahead of Cross Walks. Especially with traffic next to you, you may not be able to see a pedestrian or bicyclist in the cross walk until it is too late!
17. Follow the "The 2 Second Driving Rule". This is an easy pro-active rule while following another vehicle pick a spot on the road or side of the road that the vehicle in front of you passes, count 2 seconds and if you pass that same spot prior to counting to 2 then you are following too close. In adverse conditions increase the rule to 3 - 4 seconds or more.
18. Slow down particularly if it is dark, when it is raining or snowing, or when you're in an unfamiliar area. Don't feel you have to maintain the posted speed limit; you actually may be speeding if the posted speed limit is too fast for conditions.
19. Think ahead and signal your intent. Don't wait until the last minute to get in the proper lane to exit or make a turn. Be thinking about your options if someone were to swerve in front of you. Use your turn signals and brake lights to avoid surprising other drivers.
20. Help prevent road rage. Change lanes when you can to give merging drivers room. Let others pass you. Don't retaliate if others drive aggressively.