Automobile collisions are unpredictable. They happen, and even if you are highly cautious, another person may not be, and you may be involved in an accident due to their error. Being vigilant and employing preventative measures, on the other hand, can help to keep you and others safe.
Accidents may cost you your health and fitness in addition to causing damage to your car and draining your hard-earned funds on repair costs. Car accidents are well-known for causing severe injuries and even death. Even if it is not deadly, there is no assurance it will not harm your physical and mental health. As a result, it is critical to understand as much as possible about all types of accidents and how you may help prevent them.
Can Most Car Accidents Be Prevented?
More than 90% of car accidents are preventable. You can make the roadways a safer place by driving under the speed limit, being attentive on the road, stopping at stop signs and red lights, and resisting the temptation to drink and drive.
Safe driving behaviors may appear to drivers to be easy and conventional, yet they are frequently neglected, forgotten, or ignored in today’s hurried driving world. Although no assurance employing common sense and understanding the typical elements that cause accidents will avoid them, doing so will help make the roads safer for everyone.
Review the suggestions below before getting behind the wheel to help you become a safer driver and prevent accidents on the road:
What Are Five Good Habits to Prevent Collisions?
1. Develop defensive driving skills.
The primary notion behind defensive driving is to anticipate the unexpected maneuvers of other drivers to prevent crashes. There are entire driving schools devoted to this concept. It involves being aware of who and what is around you at all times and never presuming that another motorist will act in the way you anticipate. Always maintain a safe following distance behind other vehicles (the 3-second rule is a good one), keep your eyes moving, keep an eye on the sides of the road, check your mirrors, and so on. Being ready to respond can save you money on vehicle body repairs and perhaps save your life.
2. Do not drive while preoccupied
If you really must chat on the phone while driving, use a hands-free option (unless you are under the age of 18, in which case you should remain off the telephone). While driving, NEVER text. Avoid additional distractions like looking elsewhere, turning around to chat to someone in the rear seat, and so on while driving.
3. When driving at night, take additional precautions.
What is lurking out of sight or in lighted places is the most significant hazard of driving at night. A car accident waiting to happen is wildlife near the road. It is a good practice to drive such that if you need to stop, you may do it inside the range of your headlights. Scan the roadsides for animals (or have a front-seat passenger assist you), and be ready to stop immediately if a deer or other animal jumps in front of the vehicle.
4. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
While you should never drive while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while tired can have the same effect, many crashes occur because someone fell asleep at the wheel or became drowsy. Before going behind the wheel, make sure you are sober and well-rested.
5. Ensure that your vehicle is in good working order.
Many collisions occur when you cannot manage your car due to defective brakes or bare tires. Maintain correct tire inflation, rotate, and replace worn brake pads as needed.
How Do You Prepare for A Car Accident?
Even if you have never been in an accident, you should know what to do if one occurs. Following a car accident, many people get confused and shaken up. You must maintain your composure so that you can make the best judgments possible to avoid more harm and destruction.
Injuries and property loss are common outcomes of automobile accidents. Keep the following tips in mind regardless of how mild or significant the accident is.
1. Prepare a disaster kit.
Always be on the lookout for an automobile collision. Make an emergency kit including batteries, blankets, water, flares, a first aid kit, a notebook, pen, flashlight, camera, and a backup smartphone. Keep the kit in the backseat or trunk of your car at all times so you can quickly get it if needed.
2. Examine the circumstances.
You, your passengers, and your surroundings should all be assessed immediately after impact. Put the danger lights on your automobile. If you feel good enough to move and it is safe to do so, exit your car and place flares around it to warn other vehicles to stay away from the situation.
3. Contact the appropriate authorities.
To contact the cops, dial 911 on your phone. Tell them where you are and what you are up to. If you or any of your passengers are hurt or unconscious, notify them immediately. To the police, provide a statement about the accident. Say nothing that might place you in a bad light.
4. Gather essential information.
Ensure you take photos of each driver’s license, registration, and insurance card, as well as their phone numbers, as you wait for the police, fire department, and EMTs to arrive. Take images of both the back and front of the documents.
5. Seek medical help.
Get medical help right away and at the emergency room. It is conceivable that you will not notice the impact of any potential injury straight away. There might also be physical and mental damage that you are not aware of. Professional medical treatment is required to document any injuries and to prevent you from any harm that might result in death. Return to the emergency department if you feel strange or have further pain, bruises, disorientation, irritation, vision, or personality changes to rule out concealed injuries or traumatic brain damage.
Related Articles
How to Prevent Car Theft
Driving Safety Tips, Every Driver Should Know – Nationwide
