1. Stay to the Right
We’ve all been on the highway and watched someone drive in the passing or fast lane at the speed limit, with no attempt to pass anyone. This isn’t the best idea. When you stay in the center or right lane, you have more room to escape from a bad situation. Unless you are trying to get by another driver, stick to the right lanes.
2. Look a Car Ahead
Don’t get absorbed on the vehicle in front of you. Look at the car in front of that one, and the one in front of that one. When you keep an eye on the traffic up ahead, you will have more time to react should someone make an error in judgment. While you’re at it, keep an eye open for cars to the right and left of you as well, and know what is coming up behind you.
3. Blind Spots
Stay aware of your blind spots. Don’t rely on mirrors or lane changing safety systems. Nothing works as well as turning your head to actually look at these areas. Don’t only mind your own blind spots. Be aware of the fact that you could be in another driver’s blind spot and get out of it as soon as you can.
4. Keep Your Hands on the Wheel
When you were in driver’s ed, you learned to keep your hands at 10 and 2. For many people, this was before air bags were the standard. Keeping your hands at 9 and 3 gives you better control over your car and will help to protect your wrists if you are involved in an accident and the air bags deploy.
5. Position Your Body
Another way to maintain optimum control of your vehicle is to sit properly. Adjust your seat this way: Stretch out your arms and try to rest your wrists on the top of the steering wheel with your back against the seat. When you can accomplish this, you are close enough to the wheel to maintain control, but far enough away that you are positioned correctly for airbag deployment.
You don’t have to be an expert when it comes to driving a vehicle to avoid an accident. All you need to do is stay aware and drive like you were, in most cases, taught. If you do happen to be involved in a car accident in Charlotte and someone else is found to be at fault. Reach out to our experienced team of Charlotte car crash lawyers to discover more about your legal rights. Your first consultation will be held at no cost to you.