With 2018 seeing an estimated 40,000 fatalities and 4.5 million injuries due to car crashes, it’s more important than ever for drivers to be safe on the road. There are five tips that some experts will give as a start, and they are summarized below.

First, drivers should keep at least one hand on the steering wheel. While this may sound like common sense, it’s not for a lot of drivers. In addition, drivers should be clear as to when they should have both hands on the wheel. This would be necessary when, for instance, making sharp turns. Second, drivers should avoid all hands-on phone use. Hands-free phone use is acceptable as long as drivers keep their eyes on the road, but they should understand that even this can cause a cognitive distraction.

Drivers should third of all be as patient as they can in traffic jams and other situations. Red-light running crashes and rear-end collisions are just some of the more frequently reported types of accidents. Drivers must be not only patient but also courteous.

The last two tips must be carried out before drivers enter their vehicles. The first is to ensure a well-maintained vehicle. Bad brakes and engines are behind numerous accidents. The second is to make plans that allow them to avoid driving drunk.

If drivers neglect these safe practices and cause a crash as a result, they may give rise to insurance claims. Victims can be compensated for losses like medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages under personal injury law, but to ensure that they are, they may want a lawyer by their side. A lawyer might be especially helpful during the negotiation stage. If the auto insurance company refuses to pay out or offers a low-ball settlement, victims may litigate.