Nothing ruins a day as quickly as a car accident. Always unexpected, never welcome, and potentially hazardous to your wallet and your health, car accidents are undesirable. Some of them, however, can be avoided.

While completely protecting yourself from all car accidents is impossible, here are three ways to help you avoid accidents and the negligent drivers who are often responsible.

1. Stay out of the fast lane, literally. – Negligent drivers can often display certain traits. They can change lanes quickly without looking, drive faster than the speed limit, and generally threaten the other drivers on the road. Watch out for them.

2. Don’t compete. – While you may be tempted to show these negligent drivers what they are doing wrong and put them in their place, don’t. If driving begins to stress you out, look up some tips online for dealing with road rage and the like.

3. Be informed. – A lot of articles and studies are published every year on car accident statistics. You can even find information about the typical characteristics of drivers who are at the highest risk of being in car accidents. Take a little time to look up these car accident statistics. Knowledge is power.

If you do end up in an accident, don’t despair. You have options available to you to help get you through the post-wreck wreckage. You can find a lawyer who can help you navigate the laws and lawsuits that might come into play after your accident. The Internet is a great place to begin your research. Need a car accident lawyer Chicago-based? Or someone from the country who understands how traffic laws affect your tractor? Whatever your legal needs, you’ll be able to find help.