5 Tips Car Drivers Should Follow to Stay Safe

Westminst

er may not be a huge city, but it has a lot going on: lots of traffic, tight intersections, and a mix of drivers from teens to retirees. Driving here means staying super alert. There’s a good mix of local traffic and people passing through, and that means a wide range of driving styles.

Some Westminster road users are patient and slow, others are speeding or weaving through traffic like they’re in a video game. If you’re not paying attention, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

If you ever find yourself dealing with a crash, especially one that’s not your fault, a Westminster car accident attorney can guide you through everything from insurance claims to figuring out who’s really at fault.

Now, let’s break down the actual steps you can take to avoid needing that kind of help in the first place.

1. Obey the Rules of the Road 

People sometimes roll through stop signs or speed through yellow lights because they’re in a rush. Unfortunately, most of these scenarios end in a crash. 

Tailgating is also another major issue on tight roads. If you’re right on someone’s bumper and they slam their brakes, you’re probably going to hit them. And that’s your fault, both legally and financially.  

2. Get Your Car Checked Regularly 

You can be the most careful driver in the world, but if your car isn’t safe, you’re still at risk. A lot of people wait until they hear a weird noise or see a warning light before going to the mechanic. That’s too late. Regular maintenance keeps your brakes sharp, your tires grippy, and your engine running clean.

Here’s what actually needs to be checked: your brakes should be able to stop without pulling to one side. Your tires shouldn’t be smooth or cracking; they need good tread so they don’t slide in the rain. Your windshield wipers should actually clear your windshield, not just smear it around. And don’t forget oil changes because they keep your engine alive.

Driving in Westminster means stop-and-go traffic a lot of the time, and that’s extra stress on your engine and brakes. So don’t just go by mileage; go by how the car feels. If it starts taking longer to stop, or if turning feels heavy or weird, get it looked at.

3. Put the Phone Down

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. But the problem is, most people do it anyway. Even glancing at your phone for two seconds is enough time to miss someone stopping in front of you, or a light changing.

In California, you can be fined for using your phone while driving, but if you cause an accident while distracted, you’d attract a much higher fee. More importantly, if you hurt someone, you’ve got that on your record forever. Most newer cars have voice commands or Apple CarPlay, but even then, you should set everything up before you start driving, not while you’re halfway through an intersection.

4. No Drinking and Driving, Period

In California, if you’re under 21, you can’t have any alcohol in your system. For adults, the legal limit is 0.08% BAC, but even one or two drinks can put you close to that. If you’re pulled over and found over the limit, you’re looking at a suspended license, fines, higher insurance, and possibly jail time.

Not to mention the risk of actually hurting someone. That’s the part people forget, that a drunk driving crash can take a life. If you’re drinking, make a plan before you even start: have a sober ride, call an Uber, or just stay where you are.

5. Never Ignore Blind Spots

Your car has spots you can’t see in your mirrors; that’s what a blind spot is. And if you change lanes without checking it properly, you could hit someone right next to you.

Before you even pull out of the driveway, adjust your side mirrors so they show as much of the road as possible. Then, when you’re driving, always do a quick shoulder check before switching lanes, especially on busy streets like Bolsa or Brookhurst, where there’s always a car sneaking up on you.

If you drive a larger vehicle, like an SUV or truck, your blind spots are even bigger. So take your time, and don’t rely only on tech like blind spot monitors. They help, but they’re not perfect.