Car accidents affect us all. At Grandcity Autobody Ltd., we offer top-notch auto body repair and car painting services. While we hope you’ll never need our services due to an accident, we’re here to help when you do. Ideally, we can prevent car accidents from occurring in the first place, but until that’s the case, we’ll cover some of the top causes of car accidents and strategies to avoid them.
Distracted Driving
Nowadays, distractions are everywhere, from smartphones to in-car entertainment systems! While driving, it’s essential to be fully aware of what’s happening at all times. Texts, calls, and phone use all detract from that. Stay focused on the road, keep your phone out of reach, and only use hands-free devices when necessary, in order to stay safe.
Speeding
Where ya going so fast? Speed limits exist for a reason. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. Follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed for road conditions. Leave yourself enough time to get to where you need to be and you won’t need to move so fast.
Reckless Driving
Aggressive driving behaviours like tailgating and weaving between lanes are not only rude and intimidating but also dangerous and can lead to accidents. Maintain a safe following distance and drive defensively where possible!
Impaired Driving
Alcohol, drugs, and even some prescription medications can impair your judgment and reaction time. Always designate a sober driver, hire a designated driver, or use alternative transportation when you’re impaired. If you’re not sure whether you’re too impaired to drive, err on the side of caution.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
This is fully illegal and shouldn’t be done in the first place! Disobeying traffic signals is a major cause of intersection accidents. Always obey traffic signals, and proceed with caution when the light turns green.
Fatigue
A little sleepy? Consider staying in or taking transit. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Get enough rest before long trips and take breaks during your journey to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, ice, and sleet can make roads treacherous! Adjust your driving to match the weather conditions and maintain your vehicle for optimal performance. If you’re worried about hydroplaning, slow down.
Tailgating
Tailgating can make other drivers feel nervous and lead them to speed up unsafely. Following too closely also doesn’t leave you enough time to react in emergencies. Maintain a safe following distance and give yourself room to brake!
Inexperienced Drivers
You remember how it was! Nervous, erratic, generally not great. Novice drivers are more likely to make errors on the road. Be patient with them, and consider taking advanced driving courses to improve your own skills.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Be a responsible vehicle owner and get the proper maintenance, so your car works correctly. Neglecting to do so can lead to mechanical failures and accidents. Regularly service your car and address issues as soon as possible to avoid problems on the road!
At Grandcity Autobody, your safety is our priority, and we’re here to provide auto body repair and car painting services to get you back on the road in top condition. Prevention is always better than a band-aid, and by following these tips and avoiding these common causes of accidents, we can all contribute to making the roads of Vancouver safer for everyone.
Stay safe on the road and know we’re here for you when you need us. If you find yourself in need of our auto body repair services, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re your trusted auto body shop in Vancouver, and we’re always ready to help.
Safe travels!