{"id":13001,"date":"2023-08-23T15:10:47","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T15:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/?p=13001"},"modified":"2023-09-05T13:16:49","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T13:16:49","slug":"driving-safe-driving-smart-tips-for-reducing-crash-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/driving-safe-driving-smart-tips-for-reducing-crash-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving Safe, Driving Smart: Tips for Reducing Crash Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Car crashes can lead to severe injuries and even death. The number of motor vehicle fatalities in Canada <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tc.canada.ca\/en\/road-transportation\/statistics-data\/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics-2021#\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased by 1.3%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from 1,746 in 2020 to 1,768 in 2021. Statistics show that this problem remains unresolved, making Canadian roads dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, drivers behind the wheel can take precautionary road safety measures so they don\u2019t injure themselves or others. In this short guide, we outline tips for drivers so they\u2019d know how to prevent motor vehicle crashes while on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<div dir=\"ltr\" align=\"left\">\n<table class=\"table-takeaways\">\n<colgroup>\n<col \/><\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><b>Key Takeaways<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The increasing number of crash fatalities in Canada highlights the importance of educating drivers about road safety.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The causes of car accidents are negligent driving, speeding, and impaired driving.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning defensive driving practices is crucial for drivers who want to keep themselves safe behind the wheel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drivers can reduce car crash injuries by driving slowly, wearing their seatbelts correctly, and paying close attention to the road.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Car Crash Injuries in Canada<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The World Health Organization (WHO) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/road-traffic-injuries\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published a report<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about road traffic injuries in 2022.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It showed that 93% of car crash fatalities occur in low- and middle-income nations, with the most vulnerable being pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injuries sustained from road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for young children and adults aged 5 to 29. Moreover, roughly 1.3 million people die yearly, while up to 50 million suffer non-fatal injuries or disabilities because of road accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the WHO, these injuries cause significant economic losses to injured victims, their families, and nations. In fact, road accidents cost most countries roughly 3% of their gross domestic product (GDP).<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canada saw a slight increase in fatalities and severe injuries from car crashes in 2021. Data from the 2021 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tc.canada.ca\/en\/road-transportation\/statistics-data\/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics-2021\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that car crash fatalities increased by 1.3% while serious injuries rose by 4%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, car crash-related injuries increased by 3.6% from 104,286 in 2020 to 108,018 in 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The report also showed that the government\u2019s traffic safety enforcement efforts were not in vain. In 2021, the percentage of drivers who died or got hurt because they weren\u2019t wearing seatbelts dropped by 14%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The country\u2019s National Collision Database (NCDB) records car collisions from all provinces and territories. The federal, provincial, and territorial governments work hard to improve road safety to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/practice-areas\/car-accidents\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduce fatalities and car crash injuries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Major Causes of Car Accidents<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-energepiccom-174936.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13006\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-energepiccom-174936.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-energepiccom-174936-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-energepiccom-174936-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-energepiccom-174936-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-energepiccom-174936-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-energepiccom-174936-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investigating the cause of a car accident remains a crucial step in determining who was at fault. Most car accidents are preventable, which means that driver error causes most of them. However, specific factors can cause accidents and affect the process of proving liability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aside from helping the investigation, determining the cause can also encourage drivers to be more careful on the road and prevent another accident from occurring. If you know what caused your accident, you can take precautions to make sure that you and others on the road are safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Distracted driving<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Distracted driving is a form of negligence that remains a significant cause of car crashes in the country. This dangerous driving habit can take many forms, from simply not paying attention to the road to disregarding traffic lights and regulations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anything that takes the driver\u2019s attention away from driving can be a distraction, including the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking to a friend on the phone<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sending a text message<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using a navigation system<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reading<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Putting on makeup<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daydreaming<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating or drinking<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making a call or sending text messages while operating a vehicle is a significant risk to drivers, passengers, and fellow road users. It takes the driver\u2019s attention away from the road and toward reading an incoming text or email.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the driver is texting, they could rear-end the car in front of them or swerve out of their lane and into oncoming traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving, which caused <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov\/Api\/Public\/ViewPublication\/813435\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than 3,500 deaths<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2021 in the US, remains an unresolved problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Impaired driving<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impaired driving is a significant public health issue and one of Canada&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/daily-quotidien\/221117\/dq221117d-eng.htm#:~:text=leading%20criminal%20cause%20of%20death%20and%20injury%20in%20Canada\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leading criminal causes of injury and death<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, changes to legislation and increased awareness have led to a reduction in impaired driving cases. Under <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-46\/page-45.html?txthl=impaired#s-320.14:~:text=Operation%20while%20impaired\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">section 320.14(1) of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Criminal Code<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, impaired driving is defined as driving with high levels of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consuming tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a cannabis compound, or other impairing substances within two hours of driving is also an offence. Canadians are also prohibited from driving if their blood alcohol concentration is more than or equal to 80 mg of alcohol in every 100 ml of blood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol-impaired driving is a serious offence because it puts the lives of people on the road in danger and increases the risk of an accident that may result in severe injuries and death. Therefore, drivers must ensure they\u2019re not under the influence of drugs or alcohol before they get behind the wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Speeding\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drivers who exceed the speed limit are responsible for several car accidents resulting in deaths. In 2021, speeding contributed to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tc.canada.ca\/en\/road-transportation\/statistics-data\/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics-2021#:~:text=25.1%25-,24.7%25,-Impaired%20\/%20Under%20the\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24.7% of fatal car crashes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speeding is generally considered an aggressive driving habit. The following are other examples of aggressive driving:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cutting off other drivers<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stopping the car on a pedestrian crosswalk at an intersection<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passing too close to cyclists<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speeding up to get in front of another car and then slowing down<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honking repeatedly for no reason<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refusing to yield the right of way<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ignoring red lights<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weaving through traffic carelessly<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive lane changes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another important reason why speeding is dangerous is that the faster you drive, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/speeding-and-aggressive-driving#:~:text=The%20risk%20of%20fatality%20or%20serious%20injury%20is%2011%C2%A0times%20higher%20in%20collisions%20at%2050%C2%A0kilometres%20per%20hour%20or%20more%20over%20a%20speed%20limit%20of%20100%C2%A0kilometres%20per%20hour%2C%20than%20when%20vehicles%20are%20involved%20in%20a%20collision%20while%20driving%20at%2C%20or%20below%2C%20the%20posted%20limit%20(2013%2D2017%20Ontario%20data).\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">there is a higher risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that an accident will cause death or severe injuries. This endangers the lives of everyone on the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that the laws of physics behind speeding affect all drivers similarly. Moving fast increases the time and distance it takes to stop. It also reduces the driver\u2019s field of vision, making it harder for them to react quickly to emergencies on the road, which can cause accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Fatigued driving<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling tired or sleepy is something that some drivers may have experienced. Remember that driving while tired can be as harmful as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It can compromise a driver\u2019s reaction time, decision-making ability, and speed of thought.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re tired while driving, you should find a safe place to stop where you can rest. Drivers must look out for the following signs:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavy eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yawning frequently<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blinking repeatedly<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vision going out of focus<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closing eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfocused thinking<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unintentional changes in speed<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced braking reaction<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can&#8217;t remember the last few kilometres driven<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weaving out of your lane unintentionally<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drivers who spend late hours behind the wheel should take breaks to lower the risk of fatigue-related car crashes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Faulty vehicles or parts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While negligent drivers generally cause car accidents, external factors, such as faulty vehicles or parts, can also lead to collisions. Drivers must take care of their cars to be safe. Young drivers who are new car owners must be especially mindful of this.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If investigators find that your car had bald tires or bad breaks that caused the accident, you may be held liable. Remember that your responsibility as a car owner is to make sure that your vehicle is safe and that it\u2019s not a risk to others on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safe vehicles are very important in preventing accidents and reducing the likelihood of sustaining severe injuries. The United Nations (UN) published <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unece.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-01\/UNECE%20Vehicle%20Regulations.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vehicle safety regulations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that, if applied by nations, would potentially save many lives. According to the UN, the following would make vehicles safer:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cars must meet front and side collision regulations<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electronic stability control to prevent over-steering<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airbags and seatbelts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These rules can help protect drivers and passengers from fatal accidents and reduce the severity of specific injuries, including spinal cord and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/practice-areas\/brain-injury-lawyers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brain injuries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/USyfVesqVSc?si=n6Z1lR3kRgit1pcZ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Dangerous road infrastructure<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Road design and structure can significantly impact traffic safety. Ideally, all roads must be designed with every road user\u2019s safety in mind. This way, there are adequate facilities for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors such as cycling lanes, sidewalks, safe crossing points, and other traffic measures can be crucial to reducing the risk of injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Poor weather conditions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving too fast in poor weather conditions can be dangerous. Unfortunately, heavy rains don\u2019t deter some drivers from exceeding the speed limit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving on wet, icy, or snowy roads poses a significant risk. However, drivers who drive faster than they should in poor weather conditions often cause car accidents with fatal results.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Defensive Driving: What You Need To Know<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-mike-bird-133826.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1919\" height=\"1080\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13002\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-mike-bird-133826.jpg 1919w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-mike-bird-133826-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-mike-bird-133826-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-mike-bird-133826-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-mike-bird-133826-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-mike-bird-133826-1568x882.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1919px) 100vw, 1919px\" \/><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defensive driving is the key to avoiding fatal accidents and reducing the risk of severe injuries in a car crash.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drivers who know defensive driving techniques reduce the likelihood of a car crash. Moreover, if you drive in a steady and smooth manner, you can also save on vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to learning defensive driving is awareness. You must ensure that you can identify potential hazards and predict the actions of others around you. This will allow you to be proactive and avoid accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticipate hazards by always looking 15 seconds ahead of you so that you can give yourself time to react. Remember to always look at your mirrors and check beyond the car in front of you so that you can be aware of possible dangers before it\u2019s too late.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give yourself and other drivers plenty of time and space by keeping a three-second gap when following another car. Stay far from other vehicles so you have ample time and space to react to sudden changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most collisions are preventable and can be avoided. For example, if another car crashed into the back of your vehicle, you could have avoided it if you had left more space between you and the vehicle in front of you. This way, you would have been able to move forward, preventing the rear-end collision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When on the road, letting other drivers know your intentions is crucial. You should signal early and avoid frequent lane changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although countless defensive driving courses are available today, you can practice defensive driving by being proactive on the road and being focused at all times. You only have to be aware of your surroundings and try to predict any hazards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another important defensive driving tip is not to trust those around you to make good decisions. This way, you\u2019ll be ready for the worst when you\u2019re behind the wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning defensive driving practices is very important, especially if you\u2019re a new driver. Keep reading below to know why these practices are crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Importance of defensive driving<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Learning defensive driving improves your driving skills<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These practices encourage you to be diligent about following traffic rules and regulations. As you keep these rules in mind, you\u2019ll better understand the rules of the road, and defensive driving will become second nature.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Defensive driving can help you save on maintenance costs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you have safe driving habits and aren\u2019t involved in any accidents, you can save time and money because you won\u2019t need many car repairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>It teaches you how to drive safely, whether on a highway or at night<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The key to an effective defensive driving strategy is knowing how to avoid crashes and identify potential dangers before they occur.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Defensive driving also helps with your insurance policy costs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An aggressive driver will find their insurance costs rising every time they get into an accident. The cost of their policy will keep increasing because they have to pay for liability costs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The most crucial benefit of defensive driving is maximum protection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: By driving safely, you can prevent fatal accidents and severe injuries. If you have a better understanding of defensive driving, you\u2019ll have better safety outcomes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>How To Reduce Injuries From a Car Crash<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-tobi-620335.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13004\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-tobi-620335.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-tobi-620335-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-tobi-620335-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-tobi-620335-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-tobi-620335-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/08\/pexels-tobi-620335-1568x1045.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Considering how common car accidents are, it\u2019s likely that most drivers have experienced or will experience at least one collision in their lifetime. However, drivers can still do what they can to avoid accidents or at least reduce their risk of sustaining an injury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this section, we highlight a few crucial tips to remember so that you can reduce the severity of injuries in an accident or avoid one altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Reduce speed<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing your speed can be the critical factor that can save your life in a car crash. If, however, an accident happens, reduced speed can lessen the severity of your injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that even small reductions in speed can save your life. By reducing your speed by 1.6 km per hour, you can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/parachute.ca\/en\/injury-topic\/road-safety\/#:~:text=Even%20small%20reductions%20in%20speed%20can%20be%20significant.%20For%20each%201.6%20km\/h%20reduction%20in%20average%C2%A0speed%2C%20collisions%20are%20reduced%20by%20five%20per%20cent.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduce collisions by 5%.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When you move at 30 km per hour, you have ample time to stop for pedestrians, who in turn have the time to make better crossing decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, keep in mind that speeding and aggressive driving go hand-in-hand. If you\u2019re driving, follow speed limits and slow down when entering 30- or 40 km per-hour zones. Remember that lower speed limit signs are there for a reason.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Pay attention on the road<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that the key to defensive driving is awareness. You need to pay attention on the road so that you can predict and avoid potential dangers in time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drivers, especially teen drivers, should mute or turn off their smartphones so that they can focus on driving. Once you get in your car, remember the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t use your cell phone or handheld tech of any kind because they pose a high level of distraction risk<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be aware that your attention is not entirely on the road every time you adjust the dials on your dashboard<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you turn and reach for something in your car, you take your eyes off the road, splitting your attention<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have passengers, particularly children, remember that they can distract you if they have loud conversations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Distractions while driving can be grouped into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distractions make you take your eyes off the road, and manual distractions make you take your hands off the steering wheel. Cognitive distractions take your attention away from driving altogether and could result in fatal accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some examples of these distractions include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daydreaming<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changing the temperature in the car<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using your smartphone to talk, text, or read<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking to or arguing with your passengers<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switching songs on the car radio<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Adjust your car seat<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should sit as far away from the airbags as possible, but be able to comfortably reach the foot pedals and steering wheel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sitting too close to the airbags can lead to airbag injuries. While these safety features protect you if there\u2019s a violent car accident, they can still be painful, as they exert a lot of force themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Wear your seat belt<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This tip may be too obvious, but it can never be overstated. Remember that your seat belt is one of the most effective and practical ways to reduce the risk of death in a car crash. After a collision, your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/advantages-of-hiring-a-personal-injury-lawyer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personal injury lawyer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may even ask if you had worn your seat belt during the accident.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of how far you want to drive or where you\u2019re sitting in the car, you must always wear a seat belt. Seat belts can prevent severe injuries in car accidents and even save lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you get in the car, ensure that your seat belt fits snugly on your torso and that it\u2019s not twisted. Move the lap portion of the belt so that it\u2019s across your hips. Proper placement ensures that the pelvic bone absorbs the impact of a crash, which helps minimize internal injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking the time to wear your seat belt correctly will protect you in an accident. Wearing a seatbelt is especially important for pregnant women.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Keep your distance from other vehicles<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping a safe following distance from other cars can be one of the most effective ways to prevent car accidents and serious injuries. It\u2019s best to maintain a three-second distance from the car in front of you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0To determine this distance, look for a stationary object on the road and start counting when the car in front of you passes it. Stop counting when your vehicle passes the same object.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you get there earlier than three seconds, you should slow down your vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Mind your posture<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might not think about how you sit in your car, but good posture is crucial when driving. The car\u2019s safety features will serve you better when you sit straight with your feet flat on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A vehicle\u2019s safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts, are created around a driver or passenger sitting up straight. Therefore, the components will be most effective for people who are sitting correctly. They will sustain less severe injuries than those who sit sprawled on their seats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Check your car before trips<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you drive every day, make it a habit to perform regular vehicle maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When checking your car, make sure to perform the following if needed:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulating tire pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular oil changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotating tires<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replacing old wiper blades<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changing worn brake pads<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Checking battery life<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changing the air filter<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replacing spark plugs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\n\t\t\t<section class=\"h-protip-sec\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-md-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-md-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Pro Tip <\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning defensive driving is crucial, especially for beginner drivers. Defensive driving practices can help drivers prevent car collisions and reduce the severity of crash injuries.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Get Compensation After a Car Crash With Diamond and Diamond Lawyers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that most accidents on the road are preventable if you\u2019re alert behind the wheel. You can react quickly to any emergency on the road if you constantly pay attention. These tips can reduce the severity of injuries and even prevent fatal accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll need a personal injury lawyer if you or someone you know were injured in a car accident. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call Diamond and Diamond Lawyers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today for the legal support you need to establish a strong claim. With the help of our compassionate legal professionals, you can get the compensation you deserve.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 dir=\"ltr\"><b><i>Injuries from car accidents can be emotionally, mentally, and financially taxing. Call Diamond and Diamond Lawyers to get the legal support you need for compensation.<\/i><\/b><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Car crashes can lead to severe injuries and even death. The number of motor vehicle fatalities in Canada increased by 1.3% from 1,746 in 2020 to 1,768 in 2021. Statistics show that this problem remains unresolved, making Canadian roads dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. However, drivers behind the wheel can take precautionary road safety measures&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13005,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13001","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13001","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13001"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13001\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13001"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13001"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}