Did you know that there are more than five million car accidents per year in the United States alone? Fortunately, cars are safer than ever before, and as a result,

more people survive accidents. That said, it’s crucial to exercise safe driving practices. It’s especially important for new drivers to be diligent and to pay extra close attention to safety.

Below, we’re going to outline some crucial safe driving tips. That said, some folks will end up in accidents and other unsafe scenarios even if they follow this advice. If you should find yourself in a car accident, it’s smart to call a lawyer as quickly as possible. You should consult with a car accident attorney in Detroit, New York, or wherever you live if you've been in an accident.

Check the Weather Before Driving

Weather can have a major impact on the road and driving conditions. One of the best ways to maintain safety while driving is to check the weather forecast before you even get in your vehicle. It’s smart to mentally prepare for wet or icy roads, fog, rain, and more.

Water and ice can make roads more slippery. As such, you’ll want to maintain a slower speed and more distance between your vehicle and the cars around you. Weather can also decrease visibility substantially, which in turn can lead to more accidents.

Drive on the Defensive

Once you hit the road, you should drive defensively. Among other things, this means paying close attention to your surroundings and those driving around you. You may be the best driver in the world but could end up in an accident caused by another driver. If you drive defensively, you may spot a bad driver before they cause an accident. This could buy you time to avoid a collision or other event.

Always Wear Your Seatbelt

Seatbelts save lives. In most places, it’s now a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt. Even disregarding legal requirements, however, wearing a seatbelt is essential. If you don’t wear one, you could be thrown from your vehicle in an accident or your body could bounce around in the cab, causing severe injuries and even death.

Respond Properly During an Accident

Unfortunately, accidents can still happen even if you take every safety precaution imaginable. As such, it’s important to be prepared. If an accident should occur, you should first check to make sure everyone in your car is alright. If anyone is injured, call 911 as quickly as possible. If you only got in a minor fender bender, you could call the police first.

You may want to get out of your car to check on the other parties involved and to examine the damage to your vehicle. However, keep safety in mind and only get out when it is safe to do so. You should also exchange information with the other drivers. It’s smart to call a lawyer as quickly as possible as well. Indeed, it’s a good idea for drivers to keep a lawyer on speed dial so that they can call and ask for advice.