Rarest Words

Although many of you may think an auto accident is just that “an accident” and cannot be avoided, you are wrong. In fact there are some very simple tips for Tulsa residents to remember in order to avoid or prevent auto accidents.

In the last five years it has been estimated that at least 26% of all drivers have been involved in an auto accident. The percentage may not seem very high, but if it involves you or a family member it is. The number one cause of Tulsa auto accidents is when the driver is talking, or involved in a conversation with somebody else in the car. Although most drivers hold conversations with the passengers in their car, this could actually lead to the driver to focus on the conversation more than on driving. Obviously, most drivers are not going to completely stop talking with passengers while they are driving, but they should limit the amount of time the conversation lasts, or if they are driving in heavy traffic, or during bad weather, they should seize the conversation and pay attention to the road and other drivers. Consequently, the second tip for Tulsa residents to take into account when trying to avoid auto accidents, is limit the distractions in the car while you are driving. The driver being distracted is the second highest cause of auto accidents in Tulsa. If there is a lot going on in the vehicle while you are driving, like children fighting or crying, or a dog squirming around, pull the vehicle over (in a safe location) and attempt to stop whatever may be distracting you. If half of all drivers who were dealing with some sort of distraction while driving did this, it could eliminate at least 30% of all auto accidents.

While being distracted or holding a conversation with a passenger are two of the major causes of auto accidents, changing the radio stations or talking on your cell phone while driving is also a major cause of all auto accidents. There are many states that have prohibited drivers from talking on their cell phone while driving, and mandating that “hands-free” devices such as headphones or Bluetooth head pieces be worn if the driver needs to hold a conversation on the phone while driving. There is a reason that when new drivers are taught how to drive, they are taught to have both hands on the steering wheel, this is to gain better control of the vehicle if you need to react to a quick situation. Changing the radio, looking for a new CD or talking on your cell phone all prevent the driver from being able to focus on the road and from driving with both hands on the wheel.