Know Your Car's Limits

While the act of driving a car is pretty much universal, each car operates and handles differently. Sports cars tend to have more power, while minivans and smaller cars may need more time to get to a faster speed. Braking may also be different from one car to another.

Sometimes you may need to drive a car that is not your own, so becoming familiar with it may take some time. By knowing your car’s limits, you can prevent sudden braking, the need to round corners too fast and acceleration issues that can cause the car to pull or wobble. All of these issues can lead to a serious accident.

Understanding Performance

Sports cars are made for performance, so making sharp turns at high speeds and braking quickly is what these types of cars are meant to do. Larger vehicles—such as minivans—are made primarily for hauling passengers and cargo. They are not meant for speed, and therefore the handling is different. It will be a huge difference to drive one type of car and then suddenly have to switch to the other.

When understanding your car’s limits, assess the brakes, steering and tires. How fast can you stop if you press down the brake all the way? Does the steering wheel tend to pull to the left or right? How are the tires? Do they have a significant amount of tread?

All of these elements will affect you in the event of an accident. You will need steady steering, grippy tires and working brakes. Any of these factors can mean the difference between life or death in an accident.

Driving an Unfamiliar Car

There will be a time when you’ll have to drive an unfamiliar car. Maybe you’re test-driving a new car. Maybe your car broke down and you’re renting one. Perhaps you’re borrowing a friend’s car. In any case, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the controls, power, braking and all the maneuvering before driving off. Some cars accelerate faster or slower than others, so you don’t want to be too confident and find out that the car you’re driving is less powerful than the one you own.

Get a feel for the car on residential streets first before going full-speed on the highway. Check the acceleration and see how the braking feels. You’ll be better prepared in the event you have to react suddenly to avoid an accident.

You Need Legal Help After an Accident

While these tips will help you avoid car crashes, you will never be able to avoid them completely. If you have been involved in a car accident, the lawyers at Naqvi Injury Law can help. Call or contact us today.