Evading a car crash may seem easier said than done, but there are several preventative measures you can take to ensure your safety on the road. Insurance and collision repair professionals say the following tips can help you avoid a collision:
• Slow down—particularly if it’s dark, raining, or if you’re in an unfamiliar area. Don’t feel that you have to maintain the posted speed limit. You may actually be speeding if the posted speed limit is too fast for the existing conditions.
• Many collisions occur because of driver distraction. 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.
• Don’t drive when you’re tired. On long trips, take a break every two hours. Studies show that driving while tired can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Be mindful of any medications you’re taking, as these can affect your ability to drive safely.
• If your vehicle has an anti-lock brake system (ABS), make sure you use it correctly and remember that you can still steer the vehicle while it’s activated. Before the development of ABS, drivers were taught to “pump” their brakes, especially on wet, icy or slippery roads. ABS essentially does the pumping for you, which helps stop the vehicle sooner and straighter. Apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal. The ABS system will pump the brakes to reduce the risk of your vehicle skidding out of control and will increase your ability to steer as your speed decreases.
• Know your limits. As you get older, your night vision, peripheral vision and reaction time aren’t as good as they were when you started driving. Don’t drive 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.
If you do get into an accident and have to take your car to a body shop for repairs, Steve Springer, owner of Springer Collision Centers in Santa Clara County, advises to look for one that’s I-CAR Gold certified. “Also, most shops should offer a written lifetime warranty. Be suspicious of companies that don’t.”
Mr. Springer advises that car owners talk to their insurance companies about original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts before they get into an accident. It’s often possible to add a rider to a policy that will allow for the use of OEM parts in case of an accident. “It’ll cost more, but it may be worth it if your car is seriously damaged,” says Mr. Springer.
When you get your car back from the auto body shop, Mr. Springer says it’s important to take special precautions during the first 30 days, while the paint is still curing. “Don’t use a mechanical car wash, and don’t wax it.”
