Road traffic collisions are amenable to prevention. A combination of factors interacts to result in crashes. These factors are related to the road user (Driver, passenger or pedestrians), the Vehicles and the physical environment (Roads, Road sides) . According to Patton's model these factors are analyzed at three levels to understand predisposing factors for road traffic crashes. The levels are Pre-event, event and post event.
Simple measures to be applied by each driver are to assure the safety of his Car, assure his ability to drive safely and to know the roads he will be using.
Experts have recommended the following tips to reduce the chances of being involved in serious RTCs;
Keep your car in good shape. This ensures that they'll accelerate, stop and steer when we need them to. Change your Tires on scheduled time.
Know your car's limits. Pay attention to how your particular vehicle reacts in certain situations — if the vehicle leans a lot when you're rounding corners, this means that wrenching the wheel at high speeds to avoid an accident will be a scary proposition. It's also key to be familiar with the limits of your car's brakes and tires. How long does it take to stop when you apply maximum pressure? How much grip do your tires have? If you replaced your car's stock tires with a cheap set, chances are you've reduced its braking and handling capability.
Avoid driving in the Fast Lane; Most highway accidents occur in the left lane. By using the center or right lane on multilane roads, you have more "escape routes" should a problem suddenly arise that requires you to quickly change lanes or pull onto the shoulder.
Keep your eyes scanning the area ahead. Don't just eyeball the car in front of you but watch the traffic in front of that car as well. This increases your chance of seeing a problem while still having enough time to react to it, and decreases your chance of rear-ending the vehicle in front of you should they make a sudden stop.
Beware of blind spots. Yes, adjust your side mirrors and rearview mirror to provide you with one near seamless panoramic scene of the view behind you, but don't rely solely on them. Actually turn to look directly into the lanes beside you to avoid missing something left undetected by your mirrors. Also consider the blind spots for other drivers around you, especially truckers, and try to minimize the amount of time you spend in them.
Drive with your hands in the 9 and 3 o'clock position. This recommended position facilitates maximum vehicle control when you're forced into quick maneuvering to avoid a potential car accident.
Get optimal driver control of the wheel. Another trick to maintain control of the wheel is to move your seat close enough to the steering wheel so that your wrist can rest on the top of the wheel with your arm outstretched and your back against the seat. This not only ensures your arms won't easily fatigue but they'll be in the optimum position for some last-minute evasive maneuvers.
Judge a driver by his/her car's condition. If a car's condition indicates an inattentive owner because of body damage or dirty windows, it could easily suggest an inattentive driver, too. Also, drifting in the lane often identifies a tired, drunk or cell phone-preoccupied driver — so you should get away from that person.
Avoid nighttime driving. Some people like to travel at night to avoid traffic, but with it come certain hazards. In addition to your own increased fatigue and decreased field of vision, you need to be aware of joyriding teens and drivers who may be tired or drunk
None of these are definite ways to prevent a car accident. You can only control what you do behind the wheel, not what your fellow drivers do. But take responsibility when you drive and focus on the task at hand. It's not a time to return phone calls or log onto your e-mail. Driving isn't a mindless activity, it's an exercise in self-restraint, self-defense and self-preservation.
Reference: Edmunds Car safety guide