5 TIPS TO PREVENT A CAR ACCIDENT IN THE BAY AREA
Whether you recently got &ldquo;dinged up&rdquo; in a Bay Area car accident, or you are just a concerned driver (or parent of a teenager who now drives &ndash; yikes!), here are 5 tips on safer driving.
1. Minimize distractions. Most people know that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol &ndash; or driving while chatting or texting on a cell phone &ndash; can be hugely dangerous. Eliminating the obvious distractions is essential. But you also might strive to eliminate &ldquo;next level&rdquo; distractions, such as the radio, passenger commentary, and even the babble of your own thoughts. The more mindfully you focus on the task of driving, the safer you will probably be.
2. Watch your posture. It&rsquo;s easy to sink into a lazy posture behind the wheel. When you hold the steering wheel more alertly at the &ldquo;9-3&Prime; or &ldquo;10-2&Prime; positions, your physiology will respond positively. You will be more alert and more attentive to potential obstacles on the road.
3. Drive like a race car driver. We mean this literally: race car drivers get maximum control over their vehicles by sitting close up to the steering wheel with their backs firmly pressed into the seat and wrists resting on the wheel. By maintaining this hypervigilance, you will react quicker to dangerous events.
4. Keep your car shipshape. Follow the axiom popularized by the Boy Scouts: Be Prepared. If you see a brake light flicker on and off or your tire pressure light blink on, take notice and take action. Get dents and dings repaired at a reliable auto body shop like Shattuck Auto. Keep your car serviced and clean, so that you can be prepared for whatever comes your way.
5. Scan the whole road. It&rsquo;s easy to zone out behind the wheel and focus your eyes on one particular area. You need to scan your blind spots and peripheral areas not only to check for hazards but also to heighten your general vigilance. Again, it comes back to avoiding distractions. When you stare into one particular zone while driving, your mind is apt to wander.
If you have been in a car accident in the Bay Area, get in touch with the auto body repair professionals here at Shattuck Auto for thorough and immediate assistance.
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