There could be hundreds or even thousands of cars on the road at any given time in the area you drive in. While your chances of getting in an accident at some point in your life are quite high, utilizing safe driving habits can help minimize this likelihood. Let's take a look at a few tips that can help you avoid needing collision repairs in the future.

1. Be Aware

The most important step to becoming a safe driver is having awareness. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times and understand what is happening around you. Most accidents are caused by driver negligence, and most of these can be avoided. If you run into a situation where there is a chance for an accident, don't hesitate to take the necessary precautions.

2. Don't Use Your Phone

Secondly, avoid using your phone, especially to text. Did you know that when they text, drivers are more than 23 times more likely to get in an accident according to a study completed by Driver Knowledge? One easy thing you can do is place your phone in the glove box. This will prevent any distractions as you drive, and you can always contact someone when you arrive safely at your destination.

3. Practice Safe Driving Habits

There are many little things you can do every time you drive to ensure you don't get into an accident. This includes obeying the speed limit and paying attention to the road at all times. As far as tailgating, try to keep at least three to four seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will help you react quickly if you need to, and it will also help prevent any unnecessary accidents.

4. Maintain Your Vehicle

Another essential tip to avoid collision repairs is to ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. You should never get behind the wheel of an unsafe vehicle. Factors that can make your vehicle unsafe include brake pads that need to be changed, tires that are worn, or a gas tank that is nearly empty. To prevent any accidents and make sure your car is safe to drive, have it checked out by a mechanic every three to six months.

5. Learn About New Vehicle Features

Finally, make sure you know how to operate your vehicle. Newer vehicles are equipped with many state-of-the-art safety features, but you should also know how they work. Some examples of these include anti-lock brakes, blind spot warning systems, rear cross-traffic alerts, and lane departure warnings. If you don't know how to operate these features, you could be in danger.

Avoiding collision repairs is all about taking the necessary precautions and using common sense driving habits. Abiding by the steps above can go a long way to preventing an accident. If you do need collision repairs, contact our team at D&H Collision Center today.