Tips for reducing the risk of accidents

While no one is safe from a traffic accident, follow these tips to reduce the risk of being involved in such an event.

Reduce distractions

Among the various possible causes of accidents, it is important to mention distractions while driving that are responsible in Canada for 21% of fatal accidents each year. At all times of the day, it is essential to be well focused on the road to arrive at your destination safely. 

Whether you’re distracted because children are bickering in the back seat or because you’re tired, it’s better to stop and fix than risk an accident.

Some main causes of distraction while driving include:

• Mobile phones;
• Fatigue;
• Children;
• Cigarette;
• Food.

Mobile phone use is one of the leading causes of distraction while driving and, according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the risk of collision is 3.6 times higher when using an electronic device while driving. It is therefore important to respect the Road Safety Code to avoid an unfortunate event.

Special attention should also be paid to fatigue while driving: it would be involved in about 20 percent of fatal road accidents, whether in Ontario, Quebec, or the United States, for example. So, it is better to stop to rest and go on the road later. Driving is not recommended during periods when you are usually at rest.

Respect the rules

For the safety of all, it is essential to respect road safety rules such as speed limits. Exceeding the speed limit puts you at increased risk of accidents and compromises your safety and that of others. 

Indeed, it is estimated that « for about 44% of motorcyclists who died [on the road], speed is mentioned as one of the two main causes of the » accident, according to the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec. The same applies to impaired driving. Consider designating a driver, calling a taxi, or taking public transportation.

Adopt good driving habits

When driving a vehicle, make sure you are always visible to other drivers and keep a reasonable distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Also, if road conditions are difficult, increase the distance between the vehicle in front of you and yours. This will reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.