Becoming aware of the simple mistakes that can lead to terrible accidents is your best defense: here are the top six causes of California auto accidents.

Speeding
Car accident lawyers and law enforcement officers agree: speeding lies at the root of far too many injury accidents. The faster speeding drivers are going, the less time they have to react to changes on the road-and the more likely they are to cause serious damage and to their vehicles and injury to themselves. As of 2007, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported nearly 150,000 annual automobile accidents caused by speeding. The solution is simple: always obey the speed limit to ensure your safety and that of the drivers around you.

Improper Turns
A simple turn can become a tragedy if executed improperly. California has seen nearly 86,000 annual car accidents due to improper turns alone: do your part to bring that number down. Be aware of traffic signs and signals, and always wait for the right of way before turning. When in doubt, wait for the light.

Bad Merging
Believe it or not, bad merging was the third highest cause of California car accidents in 2007. Avoid merging accidents by remaining aware of other drivers as you enter the freeway and adjusting your speed accordingly. If you are already on the freeway, move to the left lane when possible to improve visibility and access for merging traffic.

Driving Under the Influence
It is never safe to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that may make you drowsy. The number of drunk driving accidents are on the decline: keep it that way by choosing a designated driver and avoiding situations in which you will be tempted to drink and drive.

Drifting out of Lane
An astonishing 15,574 car accidents in 2007 were caused by drivers who simply drifted out of their designated lane. Vigilance is critical to avoid such needless accidents. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands at the wheel at all times.

Distracted Driving
No phone call, snack or radio station is worth an injury car accident. With over 4,000 accidents due to distracted driving on record as of 2007 and personal use of digital devices on the rise, it is more important than ever to remain focused on the task at hand while driving. Always avoid eating, drinking, putting on makeup and using music or data devices anytime you’re in the driver’s seat.

In the last few years, manufactures have been installing inputs in vehicles that allow people to hook up their MP3 or iPod players. If you are not able to have a new car with an MP3 player connection it can be difficult to listen to your music. Lacking the proper connection, some drivers have turned to listening to their players through their earphones while driving their vehicles.

While driving any vehicle, using earphones presents many risks and is illegal in most states.

The most obvious reason this is dangerous is that you cannot hear what is happening around you. With headphones on, it becomes very hard to hear emergency vehicles, and other cars that might honk to alert you of a pedestrian, another vehicle or potential hazards. In addition, wearing headphones prevents you from hearing your own vehicle which may be making noises indicating a mechanical problem.

A final problem with using your MP3 player in your car is the potential distraction, even without the earphones on. Many iPods and MP3 players have enough storage space for your whole music collection. With a great amount of songs to select from, driver’s can be distracted scrolling through songs and picking the “perfect” driving play list.

Not only is it illegal to wear them while driving a vehicle, but it is also illegal to wear them while riding a bicycle. Remember most states apply their driving laws to cyclists, which includes proper use of hand signals, lane obedience, etc. Many times a vehicle is not able to see bike traffic, so it is even more important cyclists hear cars and trucks.

If you do have an iPod or MP3 player and find it impossible to drive without your music, there are a few things you can do to make your drive a bit safer:

1. If your vehicle does not have it hook up consider buying a FM transmitter or a cassette tape adapter. Both of these devices will enable you to play your music player through your stereo.

2. In order to avoid becoming distracted while driving make up some play lists of your favorite songs, this way you will not be scrolling through your music collection trying to pick out songs you like.

3. If you find that you have dropped or need to adjust your music player, find a safe place pull into. If you must pull of the road, pull all the away off and give yourself three feet of extra space margin away from the roadway. This will provide extra protection from a distracted driver who may drift into your lane and with give you a better view when you are ready to get back on the road.

It seems that everywhere you look there are advertisements that suggest if you are in an accident with a big truck call us we’ll get you everything you deserve, this causes big truck drivers to be extra careful.

The space between a tractor-trailer and the vehicle ahead of it is for the safety of the vehicle in front of the tractor- trailer.

As a driver I’m always concerned about the safety of the drivers traveling the road with me daily. I know this message may not get to the people that actually need this but perhaps you can apply these safe-driving tips and help me save your life.

When the motorist cuts in front of the big truck without leaving plenty of room or without signaling, the driver has just placed himself/herself in danger, in an emergency stop situation there may not be enough room for the big truck to safely stop.

The tractor-trailer driver is constantly looking at the traffic conditions ahead. His/her goal is to prevent an accident by adjusting to the conditions of the traffic. His/her job is to anticipate hazards which the much shorter four wheel driver cannot see by looking as far ahead as possible.

Vigilantly watching the mirrors, constantly on guard of events other drivers may not be aware of checking for approaching danger. The tractor trailer driver calculates the stopping distance in front and applies the brakes preparing to stop. When the motorist jumps into that space if front of the truck unexpectedly there may not be enough time or distance to stop the big rig safely, and that is when you see a lot of blue smoke coming from the tires of a trailer as they slide on the roadway.

Especially as a city driver, the focus is watching for hazardous situations in advance to allow time to safely navigate around them and to recognize events that the average driver takes for granted. Traveling down streets that have multiple entry points, the truck driver scans for any moving vehicles or people that could possibly move into my direction of travel, in addition to watching the road we’re watching driveways, people walking on the sidewalks, and much more. So when the unexpected happens we may have enough time to prevent an accident.

Key elements that play into the drivers calculations every single time the brakes are pressed to stop the truck successfully without harm or damage to others:

The weight of the vehicle, there are three weights that are calculated very quickly, an empty trailer is easy to stop but in an emergency pressing the brakes to their max may cause the truck to slide past the stop point. While on the other hand in a fast stop, if the truck is heavy the weight in the trailer may still push the beyond the desired stop point.
The space that is required at a traffic light, approaching a green traffic light the driver constantly is on the alert that the light may change at any moment. Once the truck passes a predetermined point and the traffic light changes the driver has no choice but to continue through the light if he feels that he cannot safely stop the truck.
The vehicles in front, the driver assesses how much space there is between his/her truck and applies the amount of brakes to stop the truck successfully. When another vehicle suddenly changes lanes and get into the truck drivers path a new calculation is required quickly.
The cargo may have a tendency to shift or to push the truck as the brakes are applied, it does not matter how tightly and well organized the load was when the driver left the shipper, braking hard will cause the cargo to shift, or spill if it’s liquid, product has a tendency to fall off the pallet which it was on, the shift could be so great that the truck turns over in a curve.

It is impossible for a tractor-trailer driver to maintain control of the vehicle in a curve and perform a hard brake at the same time, and some automobile drivers never give it a second thought once they have successfully changed lanes as to the dangers that now are behind them.

There are several points here which all play into the driver’s decision to stop the truck safely while looking out for the safety of others and transporting the cargo go hand in hand, and the driver considers these decisions every time the truck is in motion.

These calculations happen quickly, constantly, always considering the safety of others. To help keep yourself safe when approaching a green traffic light that has quickly turned to red, if there is a big truck also approaching the same traffic light in the next lane remember the truck driver is looking out for your safety and avoid a quick lane change into its path for your safety and other motorist on the road, you can help by thinking of these points often as you drive.

It’s not likely the big rigs are going to leave the road anytime soon, so as you constantly think of these tips they will become second nature to you and you will reduce your chances of being crushed by a tractor trailer from behind.

The idea that we can avoid nearly all accidents is perhaps quite novel to some of us, but it’s true. Let me explain and provide an example.

The old saying “look out for the other guy” is perhaps all we can remember about various public service announcements related to safe driving. Being safe behind the wheel is much more than that, but awareness is at the core. Let me relate one story that illustrates the point.

One day while traveling on a busy road, I quickly brought the vehicle to a stop just in time to avoid running into a vehicle that entered my driving lane. Courteous but thoughtless drivers in stopped traffic in oncoming lanes to my left had allowed a mindless driver to cut across and blindly enter my side of the road where traffic was tooling along at quite a good clip.

The offending vehicle was completely “screened” by the many cars lined up on the left side of the road. To add to the difficulty, I was traveling up an incline which helped further reduce my ability to see cross traffic – I couldn’t see over or between many of the vehicles as my car was considerably lower. The other driver was certainly not respecting my right of way and acted quite selfishly and carelessly. Nevertheless, I was able to avoid the accident because I saw it coming.

The passenger in my car said, “I don’t know how you saw him coming across those lanes of traffic. I would have hit him for sure.” I explained that when I couldn’t see over the vehicles to my left, I simply looked under the cars and saw the wheels of cross traffic headed on a collision course with us.

If we had had an accident, it would have been the other guy’s fault, but still, my car would have been damaged and other vehicles would have been involved as well since I would certainly have slammed into his vehicle. I might not have been held responsible for the accident, but it’s still my responsibility to be safe – no matter how many idiots come my way.

The key to avoiding accidents is to be aware, and be ready for anything because there are plenty of people who will do anything at anytime, anywhere. If you’re ready, you can do yourself a favor. In a world where it’s almost impossible to lose your drivers license, we need to expect more and more incompetents on the road.

Despite various technological advancements and stringent road traffic regulations, to ensure driver and car safety, the number of car accidents has risen steadily over the years. With six million automobile accidents and nearly three million contributing to serious injuries, the financial obligation arising from these accidents is a mind boggling $ 230 billion annually! Distracted driving, driving under influence of alcohol and over speeding are the most attributed causes for these alarming numbers.

By being cautious, well prepared and driving a well maintained auto, you can greatly reduce this risk.

Maintenance – Performing a routine safety vehicle inspection not only ensures a safe driving experience for you, but also adds to the life of your auto. A comprehensive inspection should be carried out at the auto shop every 5000 miles and at home every 1000 miles. All auto shops have a checklist that consists of all the parameters that are essential to car safety. Ensure you don’t miss these inspection routines.

These tips ensure safer, smoother drives for you and your family -

Stop distracted driving – changing CDs, tuning your radio or checking your navigation tools, talking on your cell phone, are some of the most common ways that can divert your attention from the road and cause a fatality. To ensure driver and car safety, these should be avoided as much as possible. If you need to do something urgent, pull over your car to the roadside.
Safety ratings- Car accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, so invest in a safe car, for minimal damage of life and property. When buying a car, focus on its safety ratings.
A good mechanic ensures safety- Invest in a good mechanic to maintain your car; ask around for recommendations and preferably go for one with accreditations. Most reputed car insurance companies usually have good dealer networks that give service with a warranty. Tap them.
Child safety – If you travel frequently with smaller children; make sure there are seat belts for everyone, a locking system for car seats used for infants, and enough snacks and toys to keep the children busy amongst themselves so that you aren’t distracted. Invest in good quality car safety seats for the younger members of your family.
Safety checklist for road trips- If going for a long road trip, your pre trip checklist must include a thorough inspection of your car and all its parts. It’s a good idea to take a copy of the car safety checklist from your auto garage for reference, so in case you don’t have time to take your car to the garage for a pre-trip checkup, you can check it yourself. Wiper blades, vehicle lights, battery, spare tire, coolant fluids, should all be checked carefully.
Winter driving- When driving in winters, be extra careful – being aware of blind spots, steering in the direction of a skid, and testing windshield wipers beforehand are some of the things you can do to enhance driving safety. Special car safety glasses for driving in the snow are available and are a good option to consider if you stay in a snow prone area.
Night driving – Similarly, added precautions need to be taken for car safety during night driving as it poses its own dangers. Driving slow, pulling over the edge of the road in case of problems, keeping headlights on low beam and not making frequent stops for light snacks can help you avert accidents.
Driver and Car safety assessments – It’s a good option to take a crash risk assessment to know the risks you face on the road considering your age and driving style. A defensive driving class or a refresher course can help prepare you with certain techniques which preempt crashes; you get better prepared for the uncertainties of the road and more aware of other drivers and objects. It focuses on both car and driver safety. Moreover, a refresher course can get you an additional discount on your car insurance for up to 3 years, so it’s a great investment!
Accessories – It’s always good to carry some water, blanket, food, a basic tool kit, a first aid kit, and something like an orange can or radium light that can assist you as a hazard sign in case of emergencies. Use of anti-theft devices, air bags, etc. can additionally enhance your safety in your car. Make sure you always have a roadside assistance membership especially if you travel lonely roads.

The fact remains – car accidents will continue to happen in spite of the prevalent car safety measures in place, if people don’t get more self-conscious about their vehicles and their driving patterns. It is important to observe stringent safety measures, be alert on the road as well as keep your car well maintained. Every single person can make a difference!

You can avail some kinds of car insurance for your safety and your car’s safety. The various plans of car insurance are tailored to make sure that you don’t need to spend your savings in case any bad thing happen with your car like theft, fire, vandalism, on road accident etc. Generally, there are three levels of cover for car insurance which are comprehensive insurance cover, third party fire & theft car insurance and third part insurance.

All the above car insurance covers secure your car against fire, theft, attempt of theft, vandalism and road accidents. The insurance benefits may vary from company to company. You can check the quotations of various insurance companies over the Internet. Just provide some general information like model of your car, your age etc. and get the insurance quote free of cost. The Internet is highly useful for this purpose.

Here, I am trying to provide knowledge about some car insurance benefits which are multifaceted. You can opt for lifetime guarantee on all paint and bodywork repairs or a free courtesy car while your car is being repaired in their recommended garages. Most of the companies provide 24 hours insurance claims helpline. You can do any complaint, you can ask for any suggestions or you can call for the repair assistance on road any time you want.

With these services various additional services are also available with car insurance. Some companies cover for personal belongings, car audio, clothing etc. So, if some vandalism results in the loss of some of your valuable items then you can claim for it. Sometimes, you also can get cover for medical expenses, post-accident counseling or legal advice. Apart from these benefits you are getting one more benefit which is peace of mind. Car insurance is important for these benefits and it is worth getting.

I am not really sure why it is so effective but it seems to work like a charm whenever it rains cats and dogs. This method was discovered by chance by a police buddy who accidentally put on his cool shades during a torrential downpour (don’t ask me why) and was surprised beyond words. Apparently, it also works during the night in a similar situation.

Most motorists, if not all, would instinctively switch on their HIGH or FASTEST wiper-speed when suddenly hit by a heavy downpour, unfortunately, making no difference whatsoever in the steadily diminishing visibility in front of them, thus bringing traffic to a crawl.

If in any event if you find yourself in such a situation, just whip out your cool shades and put them on (any model will do) and wollah! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windscreen is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.

Please make sure you always have a pair of SUN GLASSES in your car, as you are not only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save a friend’s life by passing him this life-saving tip.

With the combination of economy and efficiency, minivans truly seem to be the perfect package. Also, such vehicles still have a lot of other features that make them flexible enough to meet the continuously increasing everyday demands of families. As a matter of fact, these are not only applicable for long family trips, and are not only designed to have space for groceries. Minivans are also perfect for deliveries and pickups; hence, families can use these mobiles for their small businesses.

Specifically, the other remarkable features of minivans include adjustable pedals or telescope steering wheel. With these, people of different heights or sizes can comfortably seat behind the wheels and drive. It is also one highlight which clearly shows how this type of vehicle can be efficiently used by all the members of the family. Dad, mom, and even teens of legal age can take the minivans on the road anytime.

The conversation mirror may seem to be a minor element of minivans, but it actually plays the vital role of being a parental spyglass. Dad or mom can see whatever is going on at the back without looking away from the road. Moreover, another popular trait of minivans is their reconfigurable seats. A great example of this is the Stow n Go minivan that can give extra legroom or cargo space at the back of the auto by just simply folding up the seats.

According to Stow n Go minivan makers, such vehicles are designed to be as family-friendly as possible. There are some makes and models that allow the second row seats to be folded into the floor to grant passengers with extra legroom. The third row, on the other hand, can be folded to leave a flat and useful storage space that are best applicable on long trips or vacations.

Driver education videos are visually engaging with lots of graphics and real life scenarios that can be graphic at times. Some videos show actual footage of vehicle fatalities and injured victims. These can be very shocking for the viewer. However, they do manage to demonstrate that driving mistakes can happen anytime, and that most accidents can be prevented. They show by example how accidents take place, what the consequences are and what proper techniques can be used to prevent such accidents.

There are a number of driver education videos available that cover specific driving related topics. Each video may be anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes in duration. These videos promote safe driving practices to students using re-enactments, demonstrations and real life tragic stories that convey a message and leave an impression. Some videos are specially created to encourage parents and students to work together learning essential driving skills and habits.

Some topics that are covered in these videos the basics of driving, recognizing traffic signs and symbols, driving in adverse weather conditions and the dangers of driving at night. Videos on vision and how this can affect driving, fatigue that is a major cause of many accidents, driving on the freeway and defensive driving are also addressed.

One of the most important topics is about young drivers who are more prone to driving accidents than anyone else. These videos have parents of young drivers who have died in crashes describe how the tragedy has affected them. These are a very profound and insightful and extremely important for young drivers to see.

As your car ages, you could consider dropping your collision coverage. The rule of thumb is this, if your car is worth less than ten times the premium, you could cut out that cost. Check Blue Book prices on your vehicle before you act.

It also saves you some money to choose an insurance company that can offer you more than one type of insurance. Sometimes companies give you a discount if you get your homeowner or renters insurance and your car insurance from them. Make sure you check out this option, as well.

Keeping your credit in check is also a really good idea. This can cut your insurance costs as well. A lot of insurance companies check your credit before pricing your policy for you. It just stands to reason that the better your credit is, the less your premium will be. You know how it goes; good credit gives you much more power.

Driving fewer miles can also give you an advantage in the price of your insurance. If you have a child out of town in college, a high school student who makes really good grades or is taking or has taken a Driver’s Education Course. Let’s say you have a safe driving record or if you have taken a Defensive Driving Class, these things can give you lower insurance rates. Also, if you haven’t had a speeding ticket in more than three years, an accident or moving violation in more than three years, these things will also give you lower rates. There is equipment on your car that can save you some money on your insurance premium. Make sure to check things like this even before you buy a new vehicle. If you don’t have a new vehicle or are not planning to buy a new vehicle anytime soon, here are things you can check to see if you can save yourself some money. If you have air bags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, even if your lights are set to be on all day, these are all things that can save you money on your car insurance.