You should avoid car crashes altogether if at all possible. It is unfortunate, however, that we sometimes find ourselves in a collision. Surviving a car accident is the priority when it happens.
1. Wear a Seatbelt
Seatbelts are one of the most important safety devices in a car, and they can help keep you from being ejected from the vehicle or thrown around inside it. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, over half of passenger vehicle occupants who died in crashes were unrestrained. Using a seat belt is the best way to survive a car accident.
2. Follow the Speed Limit
Speed limits exist for a reason, and even though they are part of the traffic laws, automobile accidents are often a result of drivers not respecting the boundaries. The truth is that someone could easily lose control of the vehicle if they are speeding. Consequently, if they wish to survive a car crash, driving at a safe velocity is crucial.
3. Focus on the Road
Anything that takes your attention away from driving can be a distraction. Sending a text message, talking on a cell phone, using a navigation system, and eating while driving are just a few examples. Any of these distractions can endanger you, your passengers, and others on the road. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are three main types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distraction occurs when you take your eyes off the road. Manual distraction takes place when you take your hands off the wheel. Cognitive distraction happens when you take your mind off the task of safe driving.
4. Don’t Drink and Drive
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk driving crashes every day. That is one person every 45 minutes. There is no reason to drive after you have been drinking. Download the Uber App or other service and get an inexpensive ride home instead of an expensive DUI. Science shows that alcohol is absorbed by the body more slowly on a full stomach. If you’re hungry or dehydrated, the booze will go straight into your bloodstream and hit you quicker and harder. If you eat a big meal before drinking, you won’t get drunk as quickly. Designate a time to stop drinking alcohol that is hours before you plan to leave. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that impaired driving isn’t limited to just alcohol. Drugged driving is a growing problem. In fact, one in four drivers tested positive for at least one drug that could affect safety.
5. Limit Your Passengers
This tip applies mostly to teenage drivers. Multiple studies from the past decade have revealed that carrying multiple teenage passengers can increase the risk of accidents: The risk increases by 44% when they have a single teenage passenger in the vehicle. The risk doubles when they bring two passengers along and quadruples if they have three or more. Their friends might encourage them to engage in risky behaviors on the road as well as distract them when they’re supposed to be paying attention.
6. Avoid Poor Weather Conditions
If possible, it is best to postpone a trip and stay home rather than drive if there is an extreme weather system moving through your area. If you must drive in bad weather, remember to give yourself a lot of room ahead of you to stop, turn on your headlights, avoid puddles and drive in the middle lanes, and replace damaged windshield wipers. It’s also best to avoid driving at night whenever possible. It doesn’t matter whether the road is familiar or not, driving at night is always more dangerous.
7. Choose a Safe Vehicle
Cars continue to get safer every year by introducing new features like automatic braking and lane-departure warnings. They also make improvements and perform better on crash test ratings. When you’re in the market for a new car, pay attention to safety. Check official crash test ratings and investigate safety features. Whatever car you’re driving, make sure you know the standard and optional safety features including where your airbags are.
If you’ve been in an accident due to the negligence of someone, Parker Law Firm’s experienced car accident lawyers are standing by to help you. Contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to review your options.
