Car accidents are unfortunately all too common on Iowa’s roads and highways–and they cause major headaches for everyone involved. From minor fender-benders to serious collisions, accidents damage your vehicle, cause injuries, and leave you with a mountain of repair bills. Thankfully, many car accidents are preventable if drivers are aware of the most common causes and take steps to avoid them–these bad habits can be hard to break, but in the long run, avoiding these causes can not only save you time and money, but could also save your life.

Distracted driving: 

With so many things vying for our attention these days, it’s easy to get distracted behind the wheel. But texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio can all take your focus off the road and increase your risk of an accident. To stay safe, eat before you hit the road, keep your eyes on the road at all times, and stay off of your phone. Some phones even have a driving mode that will silence texts and calls and automatically respond to your messages telling them you’re on the road. Sometimes just not hearing those dings, bings, and buzzes can do a lot for your focus on the road.

Speeding:

It’s tempting to put the pedal to the metal and see how fast you can go, especially if you’ve got the wide open road ahead of you–but speeding is a leading cause of car accidents in Iowa. Whether you’re on the highway or the street, it’s important to obey the speed limit and drive at a safe speed for the conditions. Remember, you likely aren’t saving all that much time, and arriving a few minutes late is better than not arriving at all.

Impaired driving: 

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal, it’s also incredibly dangerous. If you’ve had a few too many drinks, feeling the effects of drugs, or even simply exhausted, it’s best to find a different way home that doesn’t involve you behind the wheel. Thankfully there are so many options these days, all just a few taps away: you call a taxi, a rideshare service, or a friend or family member to get you home with no injuries to you or anyone else.

Reckless driving: 

Tailgating, weaving between lanes, and other aggressive or careless driving behaviors can all increase your risk of an accident. To stay safe, take a deep breath and stay calm behind the wheel. Remember, the only person you’re competing with on the road is yourself.

Poor weather conditions: 

Iowa is no stranger to inclement weather, from snow and ice to rain and fog. When driving in adverse conditions, it’s important to slow down, increase your following distance, and make sure your headlights are on. And if the weather is too severe, consider staying off the roads altogether until conditions improve.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can reduce your risk of a car accident and stay safe on Iowa’s roads and highways. And if you do find yourself in need of collision repair services, you can trust the experts at Graham Collision to get you back on the road in no time.