Basic Precautions that Can Greatly Reduce Your Car Accident Risk

Keen’s Body Shop • November 5, 2025

Damaged gray car after a collision; crumpled hood and broken headlight.

While car accidents are very common, many of them can be prevented with careful driving and a proactive mindset. While it’s impossible to control everything that happens on the road, there are simple habits that make a major difference in safety. By staying alert, maintaining your vehicle, and remaining a responsible driver, you can greatly reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Here are five precautions that every driver should take.

Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is the top cause of collisions. Even a momentary lapse in attention—such as checking a text, reaching for an item, or adjusting a GPS—can lead to serious consequences. To stay safe, make it a rule to keep your focus solely on driving.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Following too closely behind another vehicle significantly increases your chances of a rear-end crash. The general guideline is to stay at least three seconds behind the car in front of you, which provides enough time to react if they brake suddenly. In rain, fog, or heavy traffic, increase that distance to account for longer stopping times.

Follow Speed Limits and Adjust for Conditions

Speed limits are established to promote safe driving based on road design and surrounding conditions. Driving too fast reduces your reaction time and increases stopping distance, while also making crashes more severe when they occur. Always obey posted limits and slow down during poor weather, heavy traffic, or low visibility. Remember that safe driving isn’t just about staying within the law—it’s about adapting to current conditions and prioritizing safety.

Keep Your Vehicle in Top Condition

A well-maintained car is much less likely to experience sudden failures that could cause an accident. Regularly check your brakes, tires, and lights to ensure everything functions properly. Worn brake pads, underinflated tires, and dim headlights can all make it harder to avoid danger on the road. Scheduling routine maintenance and addressing issues promptly helps keep your vehicle reliable and safe.

Practice Defensive Driving

No matter how careful you are, other drivers may not be. Defensive driving means anticipating potential hazards and preparing for the unexpected. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or sudden lane changes. Always wear your seatbelt, obey traffic signals, and drive patiently. By maintaining awareness, you can greatly reduce your accident risk.

Collision Repair in Columbus, OH

But even if you’re cautious, you still may end up in an accident due to someone else’s recklessness, in which case our local body shop can help you out. For collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster, contact Keen’s Body Shop at 1-888-681-5336. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

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Why You Should Still Get a Professional Inspection After a Minor Accident

By Keen’s Body Shop • October 1, 2025

It’s easy to shrug off a small fender-bender or low-speed collision and assume that everything is fine with your vehicle. If the car still runs and the damage looks minimal, scheduling a professional inspection might not seem necessary. However, even minor accidents can cause hidden damage that isn’t immediately obvious but can lead to bigger issues down the road. That’s why it’s always smart to have an experienced professional take a closer look. Here are four important reasons to get an inspection after a minor accident. Hidden Structural Damage Can Go Undetected A small bump may not show obvious signs of damage, but it can still affect your vehicle’s structural integrity. Even subtle frame misalignments can weaken your car’s ability to protect you in future accidents. Professional inspections use precise equipment to detect these issues, helping to ensure that your car remains safe and structurally sound. Mechanical Issues May Be Overlooked A minor collision can impact more than just the exterior of your vehicle. Components like the suspension and steering system can suffer damage that isn’t visible at first glance. Left unchecked, these problems can worsen over time, leading to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions. An inspection helps ensure that all systems are functioning properly. Safety Features Might Not Work as Intended Modern vehicles rely on advanced safety systems like airbags, sensors, and cameras. Even a low-speed accident can disrupt these systems, meaning they may not deploy or function correctly in another emergency. A professional inspection verifies that these critical safety features are still operational and reliable. Ignoring Small Problems Can Lead to Bigger Costs What seems like a minor dent or scratch can sometimes mask underlying damage that grows worse over time. For example, a small crack in a radiator or a bent suspension component might lead to major repairs later. Getting an inspection early helps catch these problems before they escalate into more expensive fixes. Collision Repair in Columbus, OH For collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster, OH, contact Keen’s Body Shop at 1-888-681-5336 . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Why It’s Important to Professionally Address Car Rust Immediately

By Keen’s Body Shop • September 4, 2025

Rust is one of the most damaging problems a vehicle can face, and once it begins, it doesn’t stop on its own. Many drivers brush off small rust spots as cosmetic issues, but rust can spread quickly, potentially compromising the safety, performance, and value of your car. Addressing rust with the help of a professional as soon as it appears is the best way to protect your investment. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert car rust repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are four important reasons to deal with car rust right away. Rust Can Spread Quickly Rust doesn’t stay confined to one small spot. Once the paint and protective coating are compromised, rust spreads across metal surfaces. A tiny blemish on the fender can turn into widespread corrosion. The sooner you have a professional treat the problem, the less extensive the damage will be. Rust Weakens Structural Integrity Beyond appearances, rust can eat through critical parts of your car’s frame and body. This weakens the overall structure and makes the vehicle less safe in an accident. Rust in areas such as the frame components can severely compromise strength. A professional repair ensures that the issue is resolved before it becomes a worsening safety hazard. Preserve Resale Value Even small amounts of rust can hurt your car’s resale or trade-in value. Buyers often see rust as a sign that the vehicle hasn’t been properly maintained or may require costly repairs in the future. By taking care of rust right away, you preserve your car’s appearance and protect its long-term value. Pride of Ownership Rust is ugly and can make an otherwise well-maintained car look old and neglected. Professional rust repair restores your car’s smooth, polished appearance and prevents the damage from worsening. Taking care of rust quickly helps ensure your vehicle looks as good as it runs, which enhances pride of ownership. Automotive Rust Repair in Columbus, OH For auto body repair in Columbus , Dayton, and Lancaster, OH, contact Keen’s Body Shop at 1-888-681-5336 . Our technicians can expertly address your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!