It happens quickly. Car accidents are never planned.
No matter how it happens, getting into a car accident can lead to injuries, financial struggles, and even emotional turmoil.
Are there things you can do to prevent car accidents from happening?
This isn't always the case, but auto accidents in Atlanta are often due to human error and can be prevented.
At the Arrowhead Clinic of Atlanta, we want to help you understand some of the leading causes of car accidents, so you know how to prevent them.
Some of these car accident causes may seem obvious, but they can still serve as reminders of what to pay attention to so you can be more aware of your surroundings.
If you've been injured in a car accident, our Atlanta car accident chiropractors can help you make a full physical and financial recovery.
In the article below, we will go over several ways to prevent a car accident in Atlanta.
Table of Contents
- Distracted Driving
- Stay Out Of The Fast Lane
- Speeding
- Look Out For Threats
- Drunk Driving
- Avoid Blind Spots
- Reckless Driving
- Keep Your Hands Where They Need To Be
- Weather Conditions
- Know Your Car
- Avoid Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
- Be Courteous On The Road
- Road Rage
- Seek Chiropractic Care If You've Been In An Accident
Distracted Driving
The number one cause of car accidents is distracted driving.
Distracted driving includes anything that takes your attention off the road, not just your phone.
You could be trying to eat breakfast while driving, putting on makeup, or preparing for a big presentation at work during your commute.
All of those things take your eyes off the road, and all are equally dangerous.
With all the technology we have on our cell phones, though, texting, talking on the phone, and checking social media keeps us distracted.
Stay Out of the Fast Lane
Your driveway isn't the pit road of the Daytona 500.
You shouldn't leave your house ready to race.
So, you should stay away from the fast lane, where most highway accidents occur.
Driving in a middle lane gives you more "escape" options if someone or something on the road looks like they're about to cause a problem.
Highway patrol is more likely to keep a closer eye on you if you're driving in the left lane.
Speeding
Speed limit signs are in place for a reason, and they aren't suggestions.
The speed limits are influenced by traffic volume, sharp turns, uneven surfaces, and many other factors.
The faster you drive, the less time you will have if you need to react to something on the road to prevent an auto accident.
And the faster you drive, the longer it will take to stop your car.
Look Out For Threats
You should always drive defensively, looking out for all potential problems.
If you notice a car rapidly shifting lanes or swerving, or there's a cyclist a little too close for comfort, you need to be ready for it.
You can get away from these threats by driving defensively and always knowing what's going on around you.
If you can't avoid a threat on the road, be prepared to stop abruptly or otherwise avoid a collision at a moment's notice.
Drunk Driving
Everyone knows that when you drink, you lose the ability to focus and function properly.
Consuming alcohol is extremely dangerous when operating a vehicle.
Even though drunk driving is the most easily prevented car accident, drunk drivers continue to cause crashes every day.
If you go out anywhere and have something to drink, always use a designated driver or a ride service.
Avoid Blind Spots
Adjusting your rearview and side mirrors will provide you with a nearly seamless panoramic view of your car's back and sides.
But don't rely on these alone.
If you're switching lanes or reversing, always physically turn to look both ways, directly into lanes next to you to avoid missing something you didn't notice in your mirrors.
You should also be mindful of other drivers' blind spots while you're driving, especially when it comes to truckers.
Try and stay out of others' blind spots as much as possible, and if you have to be in a blind spot, spend as little time in it as possible.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly is an easy way to end up in a needless car crash.
Reckless drivers that speed, change lanes too quickly, forget to use rear turning signals, or tailgate often end up in senseless car accidents that were 100% avoidable.
Reckless drivers are often impatient in traffic, so even if you aren't a reckless driver, you need to keep an eye out for them and be extra careful around them.
Keep Your Hands Where They Need To Be
When you're on the road, you should keep your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock on the steering wheel to avoid a car accident.
And instead of driving lazily with your hands at the bottom of the wheel, or with one hand in your lap, always opt for the 9 and 3 o'clock position.
This facilitates maximum vehicle safety and control.
And, if you're ever in a position where you need to do some quick maneuvering on the road, having your hands at 9 and 3 will have you prepared to do so.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions play a significant factor in car accidents.
Rain, snow, ice, and flooding are all common causes of car accidents. It's important to pay extra attention to these conditions and be cautious.
Heavy rain creates dangerous surfaces for cars, trucks, and motorcycles, causing vehicles to spin out of control or skid while braking.
To avoid a car accident, drive extra careful in extreme weather.
Know Your Car
Every car has its limits, and you should always know how far you can push your vehicle.
If you have a tall vehicle that leans a lot when rounding corners, then be sure not to wrench your wheel one way or the other.
You also need to be familiar with your car's tires and brakes and how they perform in certain situations.
Knowing your car will let you know the best way to react in a dangerous situation.
You should also keep your car on a regular maintenance schedule.
Avoid Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Drugs, whether they are legal or illegal, can impair your ability to function as a driver.
You have to keep a clear mind so you can have complete control over your body.
If you don't, getting behind the wheel can lead to serious auto accidents.
Be Courteous On The Road
Not everyone seems to be aware that they aren't the only ones on the road.
But you should make sure to be aware of the others around you and treat them with respect, even if you don't get the same treatment in return.
Even if someone is going slower than you would like, you still need to keep a safe distance between your bumper and the car in front of you.
Keep a safe following distance, and as soon as possible, you can safely pass them.
Road Rage
At one point or another, everyone has been angry at someone else while driving for one reason or another.
Maybe someone didn't use their turn signal, they were going slow in the fast lane, or pulled out in front of you.
Some drivers let their rage take over and make unwise decisions.
When you tailgate someone in anger or speed past another driver to get in front of them and slow them down, it causes many needless auto accidents each year.
When you encounter a road rager, the best thing you can do is get out of their way and let them by.
Seek Chiropractic Care If You've Been In An Accident
Sometimes no matter what we do, we can still be involved in a car accident.
If you have been in a car accident, a visit to the chiropractor could provide many benefits, including faster healing and keeping your injuries from worsening over time.
When you visit a chiropractor, they will perform a thorough examination, diagnosing your injuries.
After that, they will design your treatment plan, which could include spinal manipulations.
Non-invasive chiropractic treatments can reduce pain, promote healing, restore mobility, and prevent chronic, long-term conditions from developing.
For many people injured in an auto accident, chiropractic treatment can keep them out of surgery.
If you've been in a car accident in Atlanta and you'd like to see a chiropractor for your injuries, contact the Arrowhead Clinic today.
They offer a free consultation and can begin your treatment that same day.
Click the button below to schedule your Free Consultation.
