Easy Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Car Accident

Keen's Body Shop • March 9, 2024
two cars are damaged in a car accident on the side of the road .

According to the NHTSA, there's an average of one car accident every 60 seconds, which works out to well over 5 million accidents per year. With car wrecks being so common, it's especially important to take measures that reduce your risk of getting into one. But even if you drive defensively, every time you leave your driveway you're still at risk of getting in an accident because of somebody else's negligence. If your car is damaged in an accident, it's important that you entrust the repairs to a reputable body shop. A flawlessly restored body will keep you better protected if you get in another wreck at some point down the road. At Keen's Body Shop, our technicians are experts at meticulously repairing collision damage. Come and see us for top-quality auto body repairs in Columbus, OH.


Tips for Avoiding a Collision

Although it might sound obvious, the easiest way to prevent an accident is to simply keep your eyes on the road and two hands on the wheel. The top cause of accidents is distracted driving, with smartphone use being the main problem. However, there are other distractions that are sometimes to blame for accidents such as eating, grooming, and out-of-control children.


You can also decrease your chances of an accident by making sure that your windshield is free of blemishes that obscure your vision of the road. Windshield cracks and chips should be fixed so that your visibility is optimized. Another simple way to better see the road is to keep a good pair of polarized sunglasses in your car. At certain points in the day, the sun's glare can make it incredibly difficult to see the road. With polarized sunglasses, you'll be able to mitigate this blinding effect, which will in turn make it less likely that you get in an accident.


To minimize your risk of an accident, it's crucial that your brakes are working perfectly. Signs of brake trouble, such as squealing and grinding, should be addressed ASAP. Also, it's important to stay up to date with brake maintenance tasks like brake pad replacement and brake fluid exchanges. When your brakes are healthy and you keep a safe following distance, you'll be substantially less likely to get into a fender-bender.


Collision Repair in Columbus, OH

When you need collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, or Lancaster,contact Keen's Body Shop at 1-888-681-5336. At our local body shop, we can flawlessly repair your car's collision damage. And feel free to use our easy  online estimate tool!

What can I do to reduce my car accident risk?

By Keen’s Body Shop • November 3, 2026
Auto accidents can happen unexpectedly, but many collisions are preventable when drivers practice safe driving habits and remain attentive behind the wheel. Whether you travel long distances or run errands around town, making responsible decisions on the road can reduce risks for you and others. From avoiding distractions to maintaining your vehicle, a few simple precautions can make a meaningful difference. Here’s a look at four basic tips for preventing auto accidents. Always Stay Focused on Driving Distracted driving is a major safety concern because even a brief lapse in attention can prevent you from noticing changing traffic conditions. Avoid texting, checking notifications, or reaching for objects while driving. Set your navigation system and music before leaving, and keep your phone out of reach if necessary. Staying focused allows you to recognize hazards, respond to sudden stops, and maintain awareness of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Maintain a Safe Following Distance Following too closely reduces the time available to react when the vehicle ahead slows down or stops suddenly. Leave at least a three-second distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, increasing that distance in rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic. A larger gap provides additional time to brake smoothly and avoid a collision. Avoid tailgating, and remember that larger vehicles may require more stopping distance than passenger cars. Keep Your Vehicle Properly Maintained Mechanical problems can contribute to accidents, making routine vehicle maintenance an important part of safe driving. Worn tires, malfunctioning brakes, damaged lights, and steering problems can affect your ability to control your vehicle. Follow your manufacturer's maintenance recommendations and address unusual noises, warning lights, or changes in handling promptly. Before longer trips, check that your tires, lights, windshield wipers, and other essential systems are functioning correctly. Drive Defensively and Anticipate Hazards Defensive driving means looking beyond the vehicle directly ahead and anticipating what other drivers might do. Watch for pedestrians near intersections, cyclists in blind spots, sudden lane changes, and vehicles entering traffic. Check mirrors regularly, signal your intentions clearly, and avoid assuming other drivers will always follow traffic rules. Stay calm when encountering aggressive drivers, and allow extra space rather than escalating a dangerous situation. Collision Repair in Columbus, OH Even if you’re careful, you still may end up in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, in which case our local body shop can provide expert repairs. 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!

Important Reasons Automotive Rust Should Be Professionally Fixed Right Away

By Keen’s Body Shop • October 5, 2026
Automotive rust is more than a cosmetic problem. Once corrosion begins forming on your vehicle, it can continue spreading and affect the metal underneath. What starts as a small rust spot can eventually become a much more extensive issue, particularly when the vehicle is exposed to moisture and corrosive substances. Having automotive rust professionally repaired as soon as possible can help protect your vehicle’s appearance, structural condition, and long-term value. 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 ASAP. Prevent Rust From Spreading Rust tends to progress once corrosion has begun affecting a metal surface. Simply covering a rust spot with paint is not the way to address the underlying corrosion. Professional auto body technicians can evaluate the affected area, remove damaged material when appropriate, treat the surface, and refinish it properly. Addressing rust while it’s relatively localized can help prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas. Protect Your Vehicle’s Body Severe corrosion can weaken automotive body panels and other metal components. As rust continues to develop, it can cause bubbling, flaking, holes, and deterioration of the affected metal. Professional rust repair can help preserve the condition of the vehicle’s body by addressing corrosion before it causes more extensive deterioration. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Appearance Rust spots, bubbling paint, and discolored areas can make an otherwise well-maintained vehicle look neglected. Professional repairs can restore affected areas and help create a cleaner, more consistent appearance. Taking care of rust promptly can also prevent small blemishes from becoming large, highly visible areas of corrosion. Help Preserve Resale Value A vehicle with extensive visible rust will likely be less appealing to prospective buyers. Keeping corrosion under control demonstrates that the vehicle has received proper care. Professional rust repair can help maintain the exterior condition of your vehicle and contribute to its long-term value. Automotive Rust Repair in Columbus, OH For expert auto body 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!
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