Since the occurence of auto accidents shows an unacceptable high number, it is in every car owner's interest to do all they can to prevent or at least minimize it. There are some basic principles to follow with regard to reducing the probability of an auto accident. If every car driver followed these rules regularly, the amount of vehicle accidents would decrease dramatically. So why not start right now to do your part to avoid auto collisions and other car accidents by learning and keep to these rules. Thus you can serve as an example to other vehicle dirvers and motorists, as a goal to reach for.  

To avoid vehicle accidents, you need to trust in your vehicle. Each time youdrive your car you should know, that the driving and security condition of the automobile is as good as it can be, and never worry about this aspect at all. To obtain this motorcar security, having proper  and regular maintanance done on your auto is mandatory. Stricktly follow your vehicles maintenance schedule, check out any irregularity you notice vith your vehicle and take note monthly of your car's tire condition.

It goes without saying that alcohol and vehicle driving - or the operation if any type of machinery for that matter - doesn't fit together. Unfortunately too many drivers combine it, with an increased number of unnecessary motorcar accidents -many with lethal results - as a consequence. One-third of all motorcar accidents are related to drunken driving. Every driver should internalize and keep to the principle that says: "Never drive when you have been drinking alcohol", no matter how little amount they have consumed.

The lack of necessary space between a car and the car ahead has also caused many fatal vehicle accidents on our roads. Therefore, the importance of eaving a safe distance between your car and others can't be empasized enough. A golden rule of thumb is to  leave at  least one car length space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you for every 10 miles per hour of speed.

Have you ever tried picking up items from the floormat when you drive your car? Have you ever changed radio stations or CDs? Have you ever been eating while you drive? Or looked at a roadmap? Most people would respond affirmative to most of these questions. Some drivers are  even talking on the cell phone or reading newspapers while driving their car. Statistics from Ameican Federal Authorities shows that  driving distractions are the main reason  for about 4,300 vehicle crashes every day on U.S. roads.  So the cure is to simply avoid all efforts that distract you from driving your motorcar. Don't pick up things from the floor, don't eat or drink, don't handle the radio or CD and do not dial numbers and talk on your cell phone, you have more than enough driving your car. You can't concentrate on the driving when you have to punch in codes and numbers.

A large number of automobile accidents are attributed to aggression. Never drive a car when you are in an aggressive emotional state and do not encourage aggressive drivers.  If you see others driving aggressively it is not your job to teach them not to do it. Keep as far away from them as you can or pull off the road and call the police .Don't ever loose your temper while you drive your car, no matter how good a reason you might have. This will only escalate a potentially dangerous situation by signalizing aggression to other motorists, no matter how wrong he or she drives.

Lack of courtesy is an increasing problem on the roads and highways today, especially in some areas. It might  seem like something of a lost art. How often have you experienced someone speed up to cut you off if they see you use your turn signal before changing lanes? Too often according to my expierience. Just let them pass and never try to force your way in. Many accidents could have been avoided with a little less aggressive driving and a little more courtesy.

Many motorcar drivers haven't understood the function of the mirrors. A lot of information to prevent car accidents can be gathered through the mirrors. Adjust them  properly and check the side and rear-view mirrors each time you drive your car. Try to keep the speed of your car as constant as possible.

Be aware of the road and weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly. For instance during dusk and dawn plus when it rains, keep your vehicle lights on. This is also  the law in most states. Be a friend of your vehicle and understand how it function. If you suddenly start to skid - which is not uncommon on wet roads or in the wintertime in many states - you should know how to recover from it. When the  weather is especially bad like in rain or snow, you should slow the speed of your car down; who knows what is ahead of you - maybe the traffic suddenly stops to an abrupt halt. It seem quite obvious but Intersections are the arena of most accidents. When entering an intersection look left, then right, then left again to ensure the area is clear.

To be a good and safe driver and thus avoid vehicle accidents, it is a good idea to take  a defensive driving class to improve your general driver abilities  but also to  be better prepared for the unpredictable behavior of other drivers and learn how you can handle this the most secure way.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com Terje gives advice and helps people with automotive issues like finding car parts online as well as cheap car insurance