5 Driving Safety Tips to Avoid Car Accidents

Driving on the roads is a simple fact of daily life for most of us, whether we are stuck in peak hour traffic on our way to work or playing mum’s taxi.

Whether you’re driving alone or with passengers, safety should always be your top concern. With more distractions than ever, it’s crucial that drivers know the basics of safe driving and practice them every time they’re behind the wheel.

Follow our simple safety tips to ensure your family arrives safe and sound and do your bit to keep our roads accident free.

Here are 5 quick, practical tips to avoid personal injury caused by accidents:

1. Give your Car the Once-Over: It’s important to check your vehicle over before travelling. Road safety bodies generally recommend these basic checks: Tyres, Wipers, Oil, Petrol and Water.
2. Courtesy and Caution: Always use caution when changing lanes and allow other drivers to merge or change lanes easily. Be aware of the needs of other drivers and road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and heavy vehicles (they need more distance to stop).
3. Mobile Phone: Lock it in your boot if you have to. No phone call is more important than keeping your eyes on the road.
4. Buckle Up: Make sure you are wearing your seatbelt and double check your passengers are safely secured too.
5. Anticipate: Expect the unexpected and remember that we can all make mistakes sometimes. Other road users may not indicate or check to see if you are coming, but if you are prepared for this, it should not come as a surprise. (Remember, your horn can only be used as a warning device).

Extra TIP: Keep young ones occupied with toys, food and water. Distraction and loss of concentration are leading causes of car accidents.

If you unfortunately find yourself involved in a car accident, this is what you need to do