Texas motorists need to remain alert and drive defensively, whether they are on crowded city streets or open rural roads. Here are some of the primary causes of vehicular accidents.
Careless driving
Speeding, tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic are dangerous driving habits. If someone in a nearby car engages in these behaviors, slow down and put plenty of distance between the two of you. Always leave sufficient braking room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Driver distractions
You can avoid many car accidents simply by keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. Don’t turn your head to speak to someone or look for something on the passenger seat or the floor. Don’t text, eat or fiddle with manual controls while driving.
Driver impairment
You may not always be the best judge of your condition. Fatigue, drugs or alcohol can diminish your awareness and decrease your response time. Stay alive by staying alert and avoiding anything that interferes with that.
Poor weather conditions
When the weather is bad, slow down and turn on your headlights. Rain can change road conditions and leaked oil turns into an extremely dangerous slick when the roads are wet. The faster you’re going, the more difficult it is to control your vehicle.
Obstacles in the road
Chunks of blown tires, materials from the back of pickup trucks, large potholes and wandering animals can appear anywhere, and you’ll need to avoid them if you can. Unfortunately, many accidents happen when a swerving driver hits a car in the next lane.