According to NHTSA data, there are around 16,000 car wrecks on a daily basis. While not all accidents are avoidable, you can reduce your risk by taking some basic precautions. However, if your car does suffer any collision damage, you’ll want to make sure that the repairs are done by expert technicians. This way, you can trust that your vehicle is once again safe to drive, and will keep you optimally protected if you get into another wreck at some point in the future. At Hance’s Uptown Collision Center, we provide top-quality collision repair in the greater Plano, TX area. Here are three simple ways to help prevent auto accidents.

Stay Fully Focused on Driving

The top cause of car accidents is distracted driving. As you likely suspect, this is primarily due to cell phone use. Texting and driving causes about 25% of all accidents. Other common distractions that can increase your accident risk include makeup application, eating, and daydreaming. It might sound like obvious advice, but clearly a lot of people need to hear it: To avoid accidents, it’s crucial that you stay completely focused on driving with your hands on the wheel.

Optimize Visibility

For you to be able to easily see any hazards in the road, you need to be able to see as clearly as possible through your windshield. Any windshield damage should be fixed, such as cracks and chips. Also, it’s smart to keep a high-quality pair of polarized sunglasses in your car so that you can better see the road when the sun’s glare is strong. Also, every week you should clean the inside and outside of your windshield so that your view of the road isn’t obstructed by dirt, dead bugs, or other debris.

Safe Following Distance

A safe following distance substantially reduces the risk of sliding into the car in front of you when traffic slows down. When conditions are normal, your following distance should be at least three seconds. In rain, this should be lengthened to five seconds. And if you find yourself driving in snowy/icy conditions, your following distance should be ten seconds or more. To measure your following distance, pick out a stationary object up ahead (such as an overpass), then note when the car in front of you passes it, and then count how long it takes you to reach that point.

Collision Repair in Plano, TX

When you need collision repair in Plano, TX and the surrounding area, contact Hance’s Uptown Collision Center at (469) 840-9377. At our local body shop, we can expertly address any of your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!