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There are many ways to prevent car
accidents. Many
accidents seem to be caused by unavoidable
circumstances such as mechanical failure or road
conditions. However, there are solutions that could
be used to prevent even these "unavoidable"
collisions.
Technology is providing us with
devices such as:
* Sobriety Detectors to prevent
drivers under the influence of alcohol from
operating a vehicle. Toyota recently announced the
availability of one such system that will be
included on all its vehicles by 2010.
* Proximity Monitors to automatically
determine how close a driver is to the car ahead and
adjust the distance if it is too close.
* And Lane Monitors to prevent
vehicles from accidentally drifting into adjacent
lanes of traffic just to site a few.
In most developed nations, it has
been shown that young male drivers are far and away
the top group involved in auto accidents.
Inexperience, peer pressure and over-confidence are
reasons many site for this statistic. Accidents
occurring after dark and with vehicles containing
more than one occupant are often more serious. These
facts have led to many to call for the following:
* A curfew being imposed young
drivers after certain hours
* Compulsory driving courses in order
to receive a drivers license
* Restrictions on the number of
passengers in the vehicles of young drivers
* Zero tolerance for drinking and
driving for younger drivers
Some of these suggestions have
already found themselves implemented in some states.
Insurance companies are aware of the
higher risks associated with young drivers and young
male drivers in particular, and issue higher
premiums for those individuals. However, the higher
premiums seem to have little impact on accident
prevention.
With many young and inexperienced
drivers on the road it is wise to follow some
defensive driving rules to protect yourself and your
passengers.
1) Don't drive while under the
influence of drugs or alcohol
2) Wear your seatbelt and make sure
your passengers do the same
3) Be aware of vehicles in your blind
spot next to your rear fenders
4) Check both ways for moving
vehicles before entering an intersection even with a
green light; and
5) Maintain at least one car length
between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you
for every 10 mph of speed
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