The Top 10 Tips to Prevent Motor Vehicle Accidents
The Top 10 Tips to Avoid Motor Vehicle Accidents
This year, there have been 16 fatalities on the streets of Toronto as a result of motor vehicle accidents. To put things in perspective, last year at this time, there were four fatalities due to car accidents. At HealthMax Physiotherapy, we help rehabilitate those who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. It’s unfortunate that fatalities have increased 400% from last year at this time and we must be cautious when driving on the streets of Toronto. Today we present ten tips to prevent motor vehicle accidents.
Keep Your Cell Phone Away
Smartphones are great, however they are also massive distractions on the road. We understand that they could be very addictive, however smartphones are a leading cause in motor vehicle accidents. It’s better to be safe than sorry which is why we suggest keeping it in your pocket while driving or in the back seat where it cannot be reached. Even going through texts during a red light is distracting and it’s important to keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Avoid Alcohol
According to experts, even with low blood alcohol levels, your reaction time is dramatically reduced, inhibition is lowered and coordination is disoriented. You may feel as though there is no harm in having one drink and driving, but despite the low blood alcohol level, you will not be as alert as someone with a BAC of 0.0000. To be on the safe side, avoid drinking any alcohol if you know you will be behind the wheel.
Slow Down
According to various studies, speed is a factor in approximately 30% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents. Speed increases the likelihood of an accident which is why it’s best to slow down at all times. Driving 10km over the speed limit is only going to save you a few minutes on a typical drive, but it will dramatically increase your chances of getting in an accident.
Be Aware of Fatigue
If you are on any sort of medication that may make you drowsy or sleepy then it’s best to avoid getting behind the wheel. Fatigue is often a cause in car accidents and you should be aware of your fatigue levels before entering the vehicle. If you are not getting enough sleep, then your driving skills will decrease; increasing the chances of a motor vehicle accident.
Wear Your Seat Belt
Researchers estimate that over 50% of fatalities were a result of people not wearing their seat belts. The bottom line is that the seat belt was designed to save lives which is why you should always wear your seat belt. It’s also important to remind passengers of the dangers of not buckling up.
Adjust to the Road Conditions
The Toronto weather could get unpredictable at times as we are known to experience hail, rain, blizzards, and tornados all in the calendar year. Adjusting to the conditions of the road will decrease your chances of getting in a motor vehicle accident. Remember to always keep extra windscreen washer fluid in the trunk for emergencies and slow down when visibility decreases.
Follow the “Three Second Rule”
Experts understand that it’s difficult to predict the speeds of the cars you’re following therefore they introduced the three second rule in an effort to reduce car accidents. For those unfamiliar with the three second rule, it’s really simple. Look ahead and find a stationary object such as a road sign or overpass and when the car ahead of you passes this object, start counting. Ideally, at least three seconds should pass before you pass the same stationary object.
Do not Making Assumptions
Driving instructors believe that basic assumptions are another leading cause when it comes to car accidents. For example, you may be at a four-way stop and have the right to drive, but the other driver is unaware of this rule and ignores stop sign; this may have detrimental consequences. Do not assume that all drivers will turn on their signal before they make lane changes even though it’s the right thing to do.
Practice Being a Defensive Driver
We’ve all seen the driver who honks erratically, makes rude gestures or yells at other drivers. This is not only despicable behaviour, but it creates a distraction that may be very dangerous. It’s better to be a defensive driver which means slowing down in advance of red lights and stop signs and yielding to other vehicles.
Properly Maintain Your Vehicle
Having work done on your vehicle isn’t solely about extending the life of your car, but it is also about keeping your vehicle safe. If your car is unsafe for the roads, the mechanic will assess what needs to be done and will help make the vehicle safer. Remember the small things like to pressure your tires regularly and to get your vehicle inspected if you notice any changes when applying the brakes.
If you have suffered whiplash, pain, or any other injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident, please visit a HealthMax Physiotherapy Clinic or call (416) 431-4000. Our experienced healthcare staff will help restore function with a tailored treatment plan designed to rehabilitate any injury.