In 2017, more than 37,000 people died from a car crash in the United States. The National Safety Council even estimated the casualties to number over 40,000. This number of victims is surprisingly lower than the previous year’s figure. That’s nothing to celebrate, though.
I, for one, don’t intend to be part of that tragic statistic and I would do everything in my power to avoid getting into a car crash.
How to Avoid A Car Crash
There are four ways you can avoid getting in a potentially life-threatening road mishap.
Keep Your Car in Tiptop Shape
Make sure all the parts and components are working nicely to keep your car from breaking down and avoid getting into an accident. It’s especially important to use road-worthy tires.
Don’t Drive Too Fast
Hollywood rebel James Dean died when his Little Bastard crashed head-on with a 1950 Ford Tudor. Both cars were over the speed limit. You’re not in a real-life version of Need for Speed so you better not put the pedal on metal. The faster you drive, the higher your chances of getting in a car crash. It’s that simple.
Focus on the Road
Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. When you’re driving, put your phone down. Pull over if you have to answer an important call or reply to a message. If you’re feeling drowsy, pull over and get some shuteye. Upset over something? Pull over and pull yourself together. Don’t make things worse by getting into an accident.
Avoid Driving When Intoxicated
Princess Diana was killed when her car crashed while supposedly trying to get away from the paparazzi. As it turned out, the driver had a little something to drink, which played a part in the tragedy according to investigators. And don’t get me starting on how many times we’ve seen news of people dying because of a drunk driver.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 10,500 people lost their lives to accidents related to drunk driving in 2016. The NHTSA, meanwhile, said that alcohol was involved in 10,874 of the 37,133 car crash deaths in 2017. Just don’t drink and drive.
What to Do In A Car Crash
Your chances of surviving a car crash are better if you have your seat bet on. In fact, the NHTSA says half of car crash deaths would have been avoided if the victims were wearing seat belts. Keep young children in a baby car seat and secure them properly.
Don’t Freeze
The few moments before a car crash is vital to your survival. If you see a car approaching at high speed, act quickly and steer in a safer direction. Keep your hands on the wheel so you can keep the car in control as much as possible.
Blown Tire
When your tire blows, stay calm as you try to maneuver your car to safety. Don’t step on the brake. You’ll do more harm than good if you do. Hold on to the wheel as firmly as possible and steer in the same direction as to where the car is skidding. Turn the wheel to the left if the back of the car is skidding to your left,
Lessen the Damage
Lower your speed to lessen the force of impact. You’ll have less time to react if you’re too fast. Avoid impact to the sides of your car. The sides of your car are structurally weaker than the front and back.
After the Car Crash
Switch Engine Off
If you weren’t lucky enough to avoid a car crash, there are some things you should do immediately after. Turn the engine off and remove the car key to keep it from pumping flammable liquids.
Check If You’re Hurt
Check yourself for injuries. Afterward, see if people involved in the car crash need assistance. Apply first aid to anyone who needs it. Don’t move a person if he or she is in pain.
Call for Help
If you can still move, grab your phone and call 911. Inform the authorities of your location and the extent of your injuries and those of other people involved in the car crash.
Don’t Smoke
As jittery as you are at the moment, this is not the time to smoke. A lighted cigarette can start a fire if there is fuel or dangerous chemicals leaking.
Stay
If you’re fine after a car crash, don’t leave yet. If you bolt the scene, the authorities will charge you with hit-and-run.
Take Photos
Take photos of the accident so you have something for the insurance company.
Car Emergency Kit
Every vehicle should have a car emergency kit, which includes items useful in a car crash such as a glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, pocket knife, multitool, and a fire extinguisher.
Feel free to share more road safety tips and other ways to avoid and survive a car crash. I’m pretty sure our readers will be grateful for every life-saving tip they can learn. You can also visit The Gentleman Pirate for more survival tips.
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