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How to reduce your risk of being in an auto accident

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. duce-your-risk-of-being-in-an-auto-accident.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 18:00 GMT by The Daily News Online
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How to Lower Your Risk of Getting Involved in an Auto Accident: A Practical Guide

Road‑traffic collisions are one of the leading causes of injury and death worldwide. While many accidents are unavoidable, a large portion can be prevented with simple, everyday habits. A recent feature on The Daily News Online (TDNO) distills expert advice, hard‑hitting statistics, and actionable steps for drivers of all ages. The article—“How to Reduce Your Risk of Being in an Auto Accident”—provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework that anyone can incorporate into their driving routine.

1. The Numbers Speak for Themselves

The TDNO piece opens with a sobering fact sheet that underscores why prevention matters. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 6,000 people die each year in car crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the most common cause of crashes is human error, largely stemming from distraction, speeding, or driving under the influence. By understanding the data, drivers can see that many accidents are not just “bad luck” but avoidable.

2. Adopt a Defensive‑Driving Mindset

Defensive driving isn’t a new concept, but the article highlights how a proactive attitude can change outcomes. Key takeaways include:

• Stay alert: Look out for pedestrians, cyclists, and trucks, especially in high‑traffic areas. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can cost a life.
• Maintain a safe following distance: The “two‑second rule” is a quick heuristic—keep at least a two‑second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. In wet or icy conditions, double that distance.
• Keep your eyes moving: Continuously scan the road and anticipate potential hazards. Avoid “focusing only on the front” which can miss side‑lane turns or brake lights from behind.

The article references a local DMV defensive‑driving course that offers hands‑on practice and the chance to earn a discount on insurance premiums—information that encourages readers to take immediate steps.

3. Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape

Mechanical failures account for a significant number of accidents. The TDNO article walks readers through a simple checklist:

• Brakes: Check for any squealing or reduced responsiveness. Replace pads when they’re thin.
• Tires: Look for uneven wear and ensure proper inflation. Low tread depth raises stopping distances dramatically.
• Lights and Signals: Make sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work. An eye‑catching signal often saves a collision.
• Windshield and Mirrors: Clear visibility is essential. Replace any cracked windshields promptly.

The article links to a reputable auto‑repair guide that provides cost estimates for common repairs and explains how a well‑maintained vehicle can lower insurance rates.

4. Wear a Seatbelt—Every Time

A cornerstone of road safety is the humble seatbelt. TDNO cites a 2023 study that found seatbelts reduce fatality risk by 50% for drivers and 45% for passengers. The article underscores the need to fasten the belt before starting the vehicle and to ensure that all passengers—especially children—are properly restrained in age‑appropriate seats.

The author includes a brief testimonial from a former accident victim who survived because everyone in the car was buckled. This anecdote illustrates that the act of buckling up is both simple and life‑saving.

5. Eliminate Distractions

Perhaps the most pervasive hazard today is driver distraction. According to the article, phone usage—whether texting, calling, or browsing—slows reaction times by up to 5.6 seconds. The TDNO piece lists practical ways to stay focused:

• Use hands‑free technology: Voice‑activated calls and navigation keep your hands on the wheel.
• Set up navigation before you drive: Input your destination in advance, so you don’t have to fiddle with a screen while driving.
• Limit in‑car entertainment: Let passengers control music or games outside the vehicle if you’re in a busy area.
• Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode: Even a notification can cause a dangerous pause.

The article provides a link to a smartphone app that automatically silences notifications during driving hours—a useful tool for many readers.

6. Avoid Alcohol, Drugs, and Fatigue

Driving under the influence (DUI) remains the single biggest driver of fatal crashes. The TDNO piece references the 2024 NHTSA statistics showing that drivers who have had more than a standard drink are 3.4 times more likely to be involved in a crash. In addition to alcohol, the article warns against prescription medications and recreational drugs that impair judgment or reaction time.

Fatigue is another silent killer. The article cites the American Automobile Association (AAA) recommendation: if you feel drowsy, pull over at the nearest safe location and take a nap or switch drivers if possible.

7. Adjust to Weather and Road Conditions

Weather changes can turn familiar routes into treacherous courses. Key safety tips include:

• Reduce speed in rain, snow, or fog: Hydroplaning is a real threat; maintain a slower pace.
• Use headlights: Even if not required by law, headlights improve visibility in low‑light conditions.
• Drive in the lane of travel: Wind and debris can push vehicles into adjacent lanes—stay centered.
• Check for ice or salt patches: Inspect road signs that warn of slick surfaces.

The article points readers to the National Weather Service’s “Road‑Safety Tips” page for up‑to‑date weather alerts and warnings.

8. Be Extra Careful with Children and Pets

Children and pets can distract drivers or get into dangerous positions. The TDNO feature recommends:

• Children: Use appropriate car seats and booster seats for all ages and sizes. The article links to the Federal Highway Administration’s “Child Passenger Safety” guide.
• Pets: Keep pets secured in a crate or with a seatbelt harness. Loose animals can shift the vehicle’s weight and impede steering.

9. Know and Use Safety Features

Modern vehicles come packed with advanced safety tech—automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane‑keeping assist, blind‑spot monitoring, and more. The article explains how to enable these features and when to rely on them. It also cautions that while technology helps, drivers still must stay vigilant: “Features are a safety net, not a substitute for attention.”

The piece links to a reputable automotive review site that compares models based on their safety ratings, giving readers a starting point for future car purchases.

10. Take a Defensive‑Driving Course

Finally, the TDNO article promotes enrolling in a defensive‑driving course. These courses typically cover:

• Traffic law fundamentals
• Crash‑avoidance techniques
• Vehicle‑maintenance basics
• Insurance implications

Many insurance companies offer discounts to graduates. The article links to a local provider’s website, where readers can schedule a class and view pricing options.

Conclusion: Your Road to Safer Driving

“Reducing your risk of being in an auto accident” isn’t a one‑off task; it’s a continuous practice. By combining the habits highlighted—defensive driving, vehicle upkeep, seatbelt use, distraction elimination, sobriety, weather awareness, child and pet safety, tech utilization, and formal training—drivers can drastically lower their likelihood of involvement in a crash. The TDNO article makes a compelling case that even small changes, when adopted consistently, have a massive impact.

For those looking to delve deeper, the article’s hyperlinks point to reliable resources: the NHTSA’s safety guidelines, AAA’s fatigue‑driving advice, the National Weather Service’s road‑safety updates, and the Federal Highway Administration’s child‑safety manuals. Armed with knowledge and a proactive mindset, every driver can turn the road from a potential hazard into a safer space for all.

Take Action Today

• Review your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
• Strap in every trip.
• Disable notifications while on the road.
• Enroll in a defensive‑driving course.

Driving is a privilege and a responsibility. By making these adjustments, you not only protect yourself but also the countless others who share the road.