Power lessons for help you survive an auto crash
Posted on November 6, 2007
Filed Under Life, Health, Family
A car accident is one of the most dangerous things the average person will meet during their life. This guide is posted in the hope that it will help its readers avoid injury or death. It should be noted that every vehicle is different, and much of the information here (such as airbags) will not apply to those who drive vehicles from 1990 or earlier. The methods of avoiding an accident, and the position one should be in during a crash, however, are effectively universal.
Over 33.9 million automobile accidents occur annually, killing more than 47,000 people and injuring another 5.4 million. Your chances of being
involved in an automobile accident at least once during your lifetime are quite realistic. However, there are a few steps you can take to make that less probable.
A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU SURVIVE AN AUTO CRASH
While we all hope that we will never be involved in an auto crash a little preparation can make your chances of surviving a crash much better than average.
Seat belts limit your risk: Always wear your seat belt. And make sure that your passengers wear theirs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that lap and shoulder belts can reduce your chances of being killed in a crash by 40 to 50 percent. Seat belts help for two reasons:
They allow you and the car to slow down together. educing the possibility that you will be propelled forward—into the dash and windshield.
They also keep you inside the car. Nearly 25 percent of fatal accidents involve ejection from the car.
Air bags add extra protection: Consider equipping your car with air bags. NHTSA studies show that air bags alone can reduce the chance of a fatal crash by 20 to 40 percent And when air bag protection is combined with seat belt use the risk of a fatal crash can be reduced to 45 to 55 percent.
Child restraints are a good safety tip: Many states require that children be seated in approved child restraints. Whether it is the law or not using a specially designed child restraint is a good idea:
- a rear-facing safety seat for infants less than 20 pounds;
- a forward-facing seat for larger babies and toddlers;
- a booster seat with shield or harness for children who have outgrown their safety seat;
and lap and shoulder belts for older children.
Buy a car that’s engineered for safety: When choosing a new car you can compare the crashworthiness of vehicles within the same category.
Make sure the non-safety systems on your car are serviced regularly. If you see an accident coming, having your brakes, engine, transmission, and suspension in top condition can help you minimize the damage.
Lock your car doors: Keeping the doors closed will help prevent your being thrown from the car—especially in a rollover or side collision.
Remove loose objects: Loose items on the panel underneath the rear window can fly during a collision and may cause injury.
Position headrests properly: if you have adjustable head restraints keep them in the proper position to avoid whiplash.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE INVOLVED IN A CRASH
If an accident is minor, move off of the roadway and exchange information with the others involved in the accident.
Stop the car and get help if anyone is injured. If possible, ask a bystander to call the police and report the accident. If people are injured, the police will call for medical help.
Protect the accident scene from further chaos. Set up flares or turn on flashing lights to warn other motorists.
As soon as possible, write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses
and those involved in the accident. Also take down the license plate numbers, insurance information and the makes and models of the vehicles.
DO NOT discuss the accident with anyone involved in it or admit that you think you were at fault. Traffic laws vary from one jurisdiction to another, and you may not be at fault.
If you have a camera, take photos to provide documentation. Make notes about the time of day, weather and road conditions, and how the accident took place.
When the police arrive, provide any information they request. Find out where to obtain a copy of the accident report the police will file, and write down the badge numbers and names of any emergency personnel.
Call your insurance agent immediately, and follow your agent’s instructions.
Tips
- If you are purchasing a new vehicle, be sure to note the standard and optional safety features, such as where and how many air bags come with the car. Research crash test results, and consider built-in monitoring services such as General Motors’ OnStar system. These can notify emergency personnel of an accident.
- The worst place for the vast majority of vehicles to be hit is dead center on the sides. There is very little between those inside the vehicle and the outside world, and support beams must fit around doors and windows.
Warnings
- Do NOT bend over or cover your head. In the event of a roll over, any force significant enough to warp in the roof and bend or break the A-beams might hit your head, and possibly knock you unconscious. It is unlikely to do nearly as much damage as that caused to your neck from having your head in front of the air bags when they deploy.
- This guide does not guarantee its practitioners’ safety, and it and it’s writers take no responsibility for any injuries sustained.
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