The best way to avoid a car accident is to stay continually aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes scanning the traffic and conditions ahead of you – not just the car in front but other drivers all around you. This gives you the opportunity to see a problem early enough to react to it. Also, be aware of your blind spots and do proper head checks when necessary. Don’t rely solely on your mirrors, and consider the blind spots of drivers around you. Can they see you?
Position your seat so that you can rest your wrist on the top of the wheel with your arm outstretched when you sit back against the seat. This position makes sure your arms won’t easily tire, and also puts you in the best position for a last-minute emergency manoeuvre. When driving, keep your hands in the 9 and 3 o’clock position for optimal control over the wheel.
Lastly, keep your own car in good shape, and know its limits. Replacing consumables such as tires on a regular schedule greatly increasing the ability of your car to react when you need it to. Pay attention to how your car behaves in different circumstances and know how it will react in advance. The condition and behaviour of other cars may also help you predict the driving habits of other cars around you, helping you identify a possibly inattentive or tired driver. Be extra careful when driving at night, and make sure that all your lights are functioning correctly.