Although driving is one of the most popular and convenient ways of traveling in cities like Los Angeles, they are also one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries and death. Studies prove that many of these unintentional injuries and death can be avoided if we practice safe driving habits, follow the rules, and pay attention to our surroundings.
CA motor vehicle accident prevention rules are there to help us understand how to handle accidents, and of course, how to prevent them, so you can protect yourself and others while being a cautious participant in traffic.
How to avoid car accidents
Drive cautiously
Most car accidents happen due to driving impatiently and recklessly. Drivers who speed, tailgate, change lanes quickly without signaling or making illegal turns are the cause of many road accidents in Los Angeles.
Driving carefully can reduce the toll of road traffic accidents or injuries you may never recover from. Also, pay extra attention to reckless drivers, and bear in mind that you share the road with other motor vehicles like buses, motorcycles, trucks, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Follow car seat rules and always wear a seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt is required by law in CA, and across the country, because it reduces the risk of injuries and death in an accident. Studies show that half of the victims in fatal accidents were not wearing a seatbelt.
This is also the leading cause of death of young children in the U.S., due to not wearing a car seat or sitting incorrectly. The laws are created to protect children in the event of an accident. So, keep them safe by fastening them in well-secured seats.
Don’t use a phone while driving
One of the most common causes nowadays is talking or texting while driving. Distracted driving in the U.S. is a leading cause of injury-causing and fatal car crashes. An average of 9 people are killed every day because of these driving habits.
There are plenty of other distractions like eating, drinking, or chatting with passengers, but texting and talking on the phone are among the most common. Keep in mind that if you have to use your phone, then try to stop or park somewhere. If drivers are committed to paying attention while driving then car accidents could be reduced.
Never drink and drive
Everyone should avoid drinking while driving, and especially if it’s an alcoholic drink. Unfortunately, many car accidents occur because of drunk drivers. According to the CDC, this is a leading cause of fatal car crashes in the U.S.
Fortunately, the rate of drunk driving car accidents has decreased since ridesharing companies like Uber or Lyft became more popular in LA. Remember to choose an alternative method of transportation, so you could help save lives. According to some reports, arrests for DUI’s have gone down dramatically in California’s biggest cities due to the ongoing trend of using the services of Uber and Lyft.
Carefully approach intersections
Roughly 40% of traffic accidents occur at or near an intersection, and this includes some of the most deadly and violent accidents. Careless drivers forget to stop, look, and listen before they make a turn. Drivers should always be aware of blind spots and look at both directions at least twice before proceeding. Vehicles can sometimes appear out of nowhere so be cautious when pulling into a busy intersection.
Some of the most common intersection accidents involve bicyclists and pedestrians. They usually have little to protect themselves from injuries. Approaching an intersection with caution and care can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Also, avoid making illegal turns and rushing to catch the light.
Other causes for unintentional injuries in LA
Bear in mind that car accidents are not the only cause of unintentional injuries. Some of the other causes of unintentional injuries include poisoning, suffocation, fires and burns, drowning, falls, accidental discharge of a firearm, and more.
To reduce the risk of these types of injuries one should be alert and aware of the surroundings, especially when in unfamiliar territory. We can’t control our surroundings, but we can control our actions and behavior. Being careful can keep you safe.
Final thoughts
The truth is accidents happen and are sometimes unavoidable. They can happen even if we are cautious and follow the traffic rules. Getting into a car accident can lead to injuries, financial struggles, and the worst-case scenario – death. Always keep in mind some of the ways you can prevent car accidents, so you and your loved ones are safe while traveling.
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