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Link: http://www.carreviewsonline.net/car_driving_tips.shtml

No matter if you just got your license or you’ve been driving for 40 years, everyone could use a couple reminders for good driving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 90% of all crashes are attributed to driver error. Especially if you think you’re an experienced driver, take note of one thing you can work on the next time you get in your car.

Reduce Your Risk on the Road:

1. Cut out distractions. Anything that pulls your attention away from driving increases your risk of an accident that could be avoided. Don’t talk on your cell phone, text, eat in the car or do anything else that pulls you away from road.
2. Chill out. Pushing your vehicle around slower cars just because you’re impatient doesn’t help anyone—including yourself. And when you’re calm and in control of your car, you’re in a better position to avoid other people’s bad driving.
3. Pay attention. Keep your eyes scanning all around your car, including the traffic 20-30 seconds ahead of you. Check your mirrors often and watch out for people, animals, and bicyclists along the way.
4. Look out for yourself. Don’t assume the other car is going to let you in, stop for you or even slow for the stop sign or red light. Anticipate the worst-case scenario.
5. Be prepared to react. The best way to avoid dangers is to position your car with an escape route in mind. For example, make sure there’s an open space in the lane next to you in case a car cuts you off.
6. Keep the 3- to 4-second following rule. Your biggest chance of a car crash is ahead of you, so keeping three or four seconds stopping time between you and the car in front will reduce that chance significantly.
7. Mind the speed limits. However, posted speed limits apply to ideal conditions. Do not hesitate to go slower if conditions necessitate it, like bad weather or thick traffic.

Link: http://www.carreviewsonline.net/after_car_accident.shtml

* Always have an emergency car kit that includes cones, warning triangles or emergency flares. Also, make sure you have a pen and a card with relevant emergency and medical information for you and your family.

Immediately After a Car Accident

1. Breathe deeply and stay calm.
2. Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
3. If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
4. Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
5. Call 911/the police, even if the accident is minor.
6. Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately.
7. Don't sign any document unless it is for the police or your insurance agency.
8. Get the other driver’s information.
• Name
• Phone number
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• Car make and color
• Vehicle license plate number
• Insurance company
• Insurance policy number
• If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down.
9. Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved.
10. If possible, get witness information.
11. Be polite. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts.
• Don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
• Don’t accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time.
• Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police.
• Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
12. If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene.
13. Do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.
14. Finally, remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should be left to the police officers and the insurance companies.