Tips for Avoiding a Costly Car Accident in the Bronx
Driving safely and avoiding accidents is important not only for preserving life and health, but also for avoiding potential financial burden. Car accidents in the borough of The Bronx can be extremely costly in terms of vehicle repairs, medical bills, lawsuits, and increased insurance premiums – while a minor accident could cost as little as $500, a serious accident could result in bills of $1.4 million or more. Here are some tips for avoiding a financially disastrous car accident.
Drive Defensively
Practicing defensive driving is one of the best ways to avoid a major accident. Be aware of other drivers around you and anticipate potentially dangerous situations before they happen. Leave plenty of stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, pay attention to traffic signals and signs, use turn signals, and avoid distractions like cell phones while driving – 3,300 people died because of distracted drivers in 2022. Assuming other drivers will do something dangerous, driving cautiously and attentively can help prevent many accidents. But if you are ever in one, contact an attorney specializing in auto accidents in the Bronx.
Obey New York City Traffic Laws
Violating basic traffic safety laws in New York dramatically increases your chances of an accident. Always observe posted speed limits, come to complete stops at stop signs and red lights, and yield properly when merging or turning. Be aware of traffic laws like school zone speed limits and move over laws requiring drivers to slow down and give space for stopped emergency vehicles. While it might seem tedious, following all traffic rules and signs helps keep the roads safer for everyone. Police attend around 700,000 stop sign crashes each year in the US.
Maintain Your Vehicle
An ill-maintained vehicle with worn out brakes, bald tires, or other mechanical issues can easily lead to loss of control and accidents. Conduct regular maintenance and checks on tires, brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and steering to keep your car in safe operational condition. Poor alignment, low tread depth, and leaks can diminish control or contribute to blow outs. Investing in upkeep reduces accident risk significantly and will help prevent the 11,000 tire-related crashes each year.
Limit Distractions
Driver distraction plays a major role in many automobile accidents each year. Limit cell phone usage to hands-free options only, avoid intensive conversations with passengers, and do personal grooming at home before driving. Program GPS devices before your trip and avoid complicated inputs while driving. Eating or drinking while driving also leads to more accidents, yet 52.5% of drivers still do it. Actively minimizing distractions keeps your eyes focused safely on the road.
Maintain Car Insurance Coverage
Carrying adequate car insurance is essential financial protection in the event of an accident. Liability coverage helps pay for damage you cause to others, collision covers your own vehicle repairs, and personal injury protection helps cover medical expenses. Maintaining sufficient coverage limits ensures you can cover potential costs from a moderately serious accident. Review policy limits and exclusions annually and adjust to protect assets if car value increases. Properly leveraging insurance reduces liability and out-of-pocket costs should an accident occur.
Staying focused on the road and maintaining safe driving habits significantly reduces the likelihood of a car accident resulting in vehicle damage, injury claims, and expensive lawsuits. Driving defensively, obeying laws, performing maintenance, limiting distractions, and carrying adequate insurance together help avoid financially devastating crashes. Making vehicle safety a priority protects both lives and bank accounts.
