Despite various technological advancements and stringent road traffic regulations, to ensure driver and car safety, the number of car accidents has risen steadily over the years. With six million automobile accidents and nearly three million contributing to serious injuries, the financial obligation arising from these accidents is a mind boggling $ 230 billion annually! Distracted driving, driving under influence of alcohol and over speeding are the most attributed causes for these alarming numbers.

By being cautious, well prepared and driving a well maintained auto, you can greatly reduce this risk.

Maintenance - Performing a routine safety vehicle inspection not only ensures a safe driving experience for you, but also adds to the life of your auto. A comprehensive inspection should be carried out at the auto shop every 5000 miles and at home every 1000 miles. All auto shops have a checklist that consists of all the parameters that are essential to car safety. Ensure you don't miss these inspection routines.

These tips ensure safer, smoother drives for you and your family -

* Stop distracted driving - changing CDs, tuning your radio or checking your navigation tools, talking on your cell phone, are some of the most common ways that can divert your attention from the road and cause a fatality. To ensure driver and car safety, these should be avoided as much as possible. If you need to do something urgent, pull over your car to the roadside.

* Safety ratings- Car accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, so invest in a safe car, for minimal damage of life and property. When buying a car, focus on its safety ratings.

* A good mechanic ensures safety- Invest in a good mechanic to maintain your car; ask around for recommendations and preferably go for one with accreditations. Most reputed car insurance companies usually have good dealer networks that give service with a warranty. Tap them.

* Child safety - If you travel frequently with smaller children; make sure there are seat belts for everyone, a locking system for car seats used for infants, and enough snacks and toys to keep the children busy amongst themselves so that you aren't distracted. Invest in good quality car safety seats for the younger members of your family.

* Safety checklist for road trips- If going for a long road trip, your pre trip checklist must include a thorough inspection of your car and all its parts. It's a good idea to take a copy of the car safety checklist from your auto garage for reference, so in case you don't have time to take your car to the garage for a pre-trip checkup, you can check it yourself. Wiper blades, vehicle lights, battery, spare tire, coolant fluids, should all be checked carefully.

* Winter driving- When driving in winters, be extra careful - being aware of blind spots, steering in the direction of a skid, and testing windshield wipers beforehand are some of the things you can do to enhance driving safety. Special car safety glasses for driving in the snow are available and are a good option to consider if you stay in a snow prone area.

used car dealership - Benfield Motor Group is a multi franchise motor dealer group, representing many leading brands including Volkswagen, Renault, Nissan, Ford, Toyota, Lexus, Kia, Fiat, Skoda and Alfa Romeo.

short term car lease - FLEXXiLease offer short term car leasing, contract hire, and long term car leasing with a wide variety of Vehicles to select from including cars, motorcycles and commercial vans, all vehicles are UK sourced, less than 2 years old and come with full warranties and breakdown cover.

cash loans Darlington - View all All UK Loans lenders and loans | Unsecured Loans, Credit Unions, Payday Loans, Guarantor Loans, Home Loans and Personal Loans | Compare loan companies by reviews, APR, repayment examples and speed.