Every time a driver gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, she is taking a risk of being involved in an Iowa car accident. Unfortunately, a driver cannot control what other drivers do on the road, ultimately putting her at the mercy of the other drivers’ judgment. Often, these other drivers cause accidents by speeding, driving under the influence, texting, or becoming distracted.

Because a driver is at risk of an accident due to other drivers’ negligence, it is important to become a good defensive driver. To drive defensively is to look actively for problems on the road and to take proactive measures to prevent dangerous situations. It is a skill that can keep a driver from being involved in an Iowa car crash.

These four tips will help you become a better defensive driver:

  1. Put your safety first. When thinking about driving defensively, think about your safety first. Avoid driving in an overly aggressive manner. Always put your seat belt on and lock your doors to keep you from being ejected from the vehicle.
  2. Know your surroundings. Be aware of what is going on around you at all times. Use your mirrors frequently, scanning between the rear view, driver’s side, and passenger side. Monitor what is happening 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you on the road. If you notice that another driver may pose a threat, stay clear.
  3. Trust only yourself. You should never assume you know what other drivers are going to do. It is better to assume that the other driver is going to run a light or make an unexpected turn without signaling—and be prepared to react accordingly. Always anticipate the worst-case scenario.
  4. Have a way out. Know where you are going to go and what you are going to do if another vehicle creates a dangerous situation. If a vehicle suddenly swerves towards you or the driver slams his brakes, you will have an alternative line of escape.

If you have been involved in a car accident in you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Cedar Rapids car accident attorney at Hupy and Abraham to discuss your legal options. Call 800-800-5678 today for a free case evaluation. Just for calling, we would be glad to send you a FREE copy of our special DVD report, The Secrets Insurance Companies Don't Want You To Know.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.