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What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car accident can result in devastating consequences. It could result in loss of income, benefits and significant out-of-pocket expenses.
If you're the victim of an auto accident or a bystander who's witnessing one, there are many things you can do to keep yourself safe and help others.
Avoid distractions
If you're distracted while driving, it can be a major risk to your safety and that of others. The most frequent distractions are eating, texting and grooming.
If distracted drivers are involved in an accident, it may cause grave injuries and death for those around them. Drivers who are distracted can ignore road signs and dangers or overlook unexpected problems.
Distractions are any activity that diverts a driver's attention away from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They could be visual or cognitive, and each comes with distinct characteristics.
Visual distractions are the things that take a driver's eyes off the road, for example, using a GPS, looking at a billboard, or rubbernecking during an accident. This can be dangerous particularly if the driver is driving at highway speeds and passing pedestrians or other vehicles.
Manual distractions can also be risky, particularly when drivers aren't paying attention to the road or react quickly. Food while driving can be very distracting as can switching the radio station or searching for something behind the vehicle.
Cognitive distractions can be just as dangerous as other distractions. These can be distractions like conversations on a cell phone, singing or pondering an emotionally charged situation. They can also be a sign of drowsiness, which can make it difficult for a driver to remain focused on the road.
Set good boundaries and practice attentive driving to be aware of distractions while driving. This can be accomplished by living by example and establishing rules that limit screen time.
It is important to keep in mind that distracted driving is a risk for all drivers not just teenagers and new drivers. Older people, drivers who are drowsy and even pets can be distractions for drivers.
If you have a loved one who is prone to distraction while driving, be sure to talk with them about the importance of keeping their focus on the road and how to stop this from happening. It is also a good idea to encourage them to put their cell phone in "do not distract" mode and then turn off the phone when they are driving.
Keep Your Distance
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your car's safety while driving is to maintain an appropriate distance between yourself and any vehicle that is ahead of you. This can prevent a collision and protect yourself and others around you from injury and death.
There are several ways to make sure that you're taking the correct distance while driving. You can apply the 3-second formula to determine if you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based upon the fact that you need around three seconds to react in the event that another vehicle suddenly stops. If you are too close to the car in front of you, it could be difficult to stop safely.
This is especially true of truck drivers, who need plenty of space to safely brake when approaching a stop. Many accidents involving semis and large rigs occur because drivers fail to observe this road rule and could result in serious injuries, or even death for all involved.
In addition to using the three-second rule you can also determine your distance following by locating an object that is fixed and then calculating how long it takes for you to get to the same place after the car ahead of you passes it. You can do this by finding an overhead road sign, tree or other roadside marker and watching the vehicle in front of you drive by it.
Repeat the count. Once you've determined how long it will take your car to reach the spot after another vehicle has passed, begin counting. Count 1-1,000, 2-1,000, and then 3,001 until you get to a three-second gap between you and the car ahead.
If you're unable get to three seconds, increase your following distance gradually until you get there. This could mean slowing down to avoid the risk of crashing however it's well worth the extra effort.
The most common rear-end collisions occur when drivers follow the vehicle ahead of them too closely. automobile accident attorneys can avoid collisions and other accidents by increasing the distance you follow.
Avoiding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions rank among the most frequently occurring auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rear-end collisions account for more than a third of all accidents and cause around 2,000 deaths per year in the United States.
While front-end collisions are more fatal, rear end collisions can result in serious injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions can also lead to a variety of soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash.
These injuries can cause severe discomfort in the neck, back and shoulder regions. They typically require physical therapy, medical bills and lost wages to heal from.
The best method to avoid a rear-end collision is to keep a safe distance from other vehicles. This means that you must follow them at a safe pace and not tailgate them.
If you drive too close, it can increase the chance of a rear-end collision since you won't have the time to react to dangers, like slow or stopped traffic the front of you. The National Safety Council recommends that passenger cars maintain a three-second minimum distance of following distance and larger vehicles more.
When the weather or road conditions are poor, rear-end collisions are more risky. When driving in severe snow or rain for instance you should extend your following distance and exercise extra care.
To avoid a rear-end collision, make sure you check your rear-view mirror regularly depending on how congested the traffic ahead of you. This will help you discern if a motorist behind you has stopped or applied the brakes.
Use your turn signals to switch lanes or pull away from a lot. This will allow the driver behind you to see your vehicle and prevent them from swerving into your lane in order to hit you.
If you're in a car with children, you must ensure that they are in the back of the vehicle. This will keep children from running around the car or becoming confused and distracted while you are driving.
It's also a good idea to put your phone away and not use it while driving. Talking or texting on your phone can be a significant contributor to rear-end collisions.
Keep Your Engine Running
The engine in your car might be one of the most important elements for you as a driver, however it can also be among the most difficult parts. If you're involved in an auto accident, the engine of your car might not start until you turn the key or press START.
The problem is not easy to fix or diagnose, so you should take your vehicle in as soon when the light appears. The lights will notify you in the event of a problem with the alternator, battery or temperature, or any other part of your car that require attention.
If you are having difficulties starting your vehicle following a minor accident, it could be due to a tripped switch that shuts off the fuel pump's power. This switch is intended to prevent your vehicle from burning in the case of a collision, however, it could also cause damage to your engine if it's tripped.
Another reason why you may not be able to start your engine after an accident is that the crash may have caused your vehicle's transmission to stop functioning properly. In this instance, you'll need to seek assistance from an expert mechanic to pinpoint the cause of the issue and fix it before you can begin your car once more.
Even if your car has an engine that's in good shape, it's still important to check it out once intervals to ensure it's properly lubricated and running. This can be achieved by turning the engine on gently and let it warm for 30 seconds.
This is the time to check all the belts, hoses, and air cleaners in your vehicle to ensure they're working correctly. This will increase your fuel efficiency and also ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly.
This is also a great method to ensure your tires are properly inflated. If your tires are properly inflated, they will ensure that they be more stable on the road and decrease the chance of a tire blowout or other damage.