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What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident

A car crash can have devastating consequences. It can cause loss of income and benefits, massive out-of-pocket expenses, and serious injuries which require extensive treatment.

You can aid yourself and others by staying safe if you are the victim of a car crash or a witness.

Beware of Distractions

If you’re distracted while driving, it can affect your safety as well as the safety of others. eating, texting, and grooming are some of the most frequent distractions.

Distracted drivers can cause serious injuries or death to the people in their vicinity. Drivers who are distracted may ignore road signs and hazards or overlook unexpected problems.

Distractions are any activity that diverts the attention of a driver away from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They can be visual as well as cognitive, manual or both and each type has its own distinctive characteristics.

Visual distractions are things that divert a driver’s attention from the road. Examples include using a GPS or reading a signboard or rubbernecking a car accident. This could be very dangerous, especially when the driver is travelling at a high speed or when they are passing other vehicles or pedestrians.

Manual distractions are also dangerous, particularly when drivers do not pay attention to the road, or do not react quickly. Drinking while driving changing the radio station and reaching for something in the backseat can be extremely distracting.

Cognitive distractions can be just as dangerous as other distractions. They could be a result of talking on the phone or a song, or thinking about a personal issue. They can also be signs of drowsiness, which can make it difficult for a driver to remain focused on the road.

Set boundaries and practice an attentive driving to keep your eyes off the road. This can be done by living by example and establishing rules to restrict screen time.

It’s important to keep in mind that everyone is at risk for being distracted by a driver, and it’s not just teens or drivers who are just starting out. Even pets, older drivers and motorists who are drowsy could be distractions while driving.

If you know someone who is susceptible to distraction while driving, be sure to talk with them about the importance of keeping their attention to the road and how to avoid this happening. It is also a good idea to encourage them to put their cell phone on “do not disturb” mode and turn it off when they are driving.

Keep Your Distance

One of the most important ways to ensure your car’s safety while driving is to maintain a safe distance between yourself and any vehicle that is ahead of you. This can prevent an accident, and help protect you and others around you from injury and death.

There are several ways to make sure you’re driving at the correct distance. You can use the 3-second calculation to determine if you are following too closely.

The 3-second rule is based on the fact that it takes three seconds for you to react when a vehicle brakes abruptly. If you’re too close to the vehicle in front of you it won’t give you enough time to stop safely in case a collision happens.

This is particularly relevant for truck drivers who require plenty space to safely stop when approaching the traffic stop. Many accidents involving semis or large rigs occur because drivers fail to observe this rule of the road, which can lead to serious injuries, or even death for everyone involved.

In addition to using the three-second rule you can also determine your distance following by locating an object fixed in the ground and calculating how long it takes for you to reach the exact location after the vehicle in front of you crosses it. This can be accomplished by watching the car in advance of an overhead sign, tree or any other roadside markers.

Count again. Once you’ve decided the time it will take for your car to arrive at that location after another car has passed, begin counting. Start counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000 and then 3-1,000 until attain a gap of three seconds between you and the vehicle ahead.

If you’re not able to get three seconds in one row and you’re not able to do that, gradually increase the distance you’re following until you do. It could mean slowed down to avoid a collision but the extra effort is worth it.

The most common rear-end collisions occur when drivers are too close to the vehicle in front. By increasing your following distance and following the 3-second rule, you will be able to prevent these crashes and other collisions that could cause serious damage to your car and the people surrounding you.

Avoiding Rear End Collisions

Rear-end collisions rank among the most common auto Accident Lawyer Houston accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that they account for nearly 1/3 of all accidents and result in approximately 2,000 deaths per year in the United States.

While front-end collisions are less deadly, rear-end collisions are still a significant cause for injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions are also prone to a variety of soft-tissue injuries, including whiplash.

These accidents can cause drivers to experience significant discomfort and pain in the neck, shoulder and back areas. They typically require physical therapy, medical bills and lost wages to heal from.

The best way to avoid a rear-end collision is to stay away from other vehicles. This means that you should follow behind them at a safe speed and not tailgating them.

You can increase your risk of rear-end collisions when driving too close. This is because you won’t have enough time to react to hazards such as slower or stopped traffic. The National Safety Council recommends a minimum of three seconds of follow-through for passenger cars, and even greater for larger vehicles.

When the weather or road conditions are hazardous rear-end collisions are more risky. If you are driving in heavy rain or snow, for example you should increase your following distance and take extra precautions.

To avoid the possibility of a rear-end crash, make sure to check your rearview mirror frequently, depending on how congested the traffic is in front of you. This will help you determine if a car in front of you has reduced speed or applied the brakes.

Another great habit to keep is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or leaving a parking lot. This lets the driver behind you understand your vehicle and assist them in avoiding a swerve off the lane and cause a collision with you.

Always ensure that your children are in the back of the vehicle when traveling with them. This will prevent children from moving around in the vehicle, or becoming disoriented and distracted while driving.

It is also a great idea to put your phone away and avoid using it while driving. Talking or texting on your phone can be a significant cause of rear-end collisions.

Making sure your engine is running

The engine in your car is among the most important parts for you as a motorist, but it can be a hassle. In the event of an accident you may discover that your car’s engine will not start when you turn the key.

This isn’t an issue that is easy to identify and solve, so it’s best to bring your car in for a checkup immediately after the check engine light turns on. The lights will alert if your car has issues in the areas of battery, temperature, alternator, or any other aspect.

If you are having difficulty starting your car after an accident it could be due to a tripped switch that cuts off fuel pump’s power. This switch is designed to prevent your vehicle from burning in the event of a collision but can also damage your engine if it’s tripped.

Another reason why you may not be able to start your engine after an accident is that the collision could have caused your car’s transmission to stop working properly. In this scenario, you will need to consult a mechanic to determine the cause of the issue and then fix it.

Even if you own an engine that is in good condition it is essential to check the engine every now and then to ensure that it is properly lubricated. This can be achieved by switching the engine on with a gentle touch and waiting for it to warm for 30 minutes.

When you do this, you’re gaining the opportunity to inspect all of your vehicle’s hoses and belts, air cleaners and other components to ensure that they are in good functioning order. This will improve your gas mileage and ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly.

It’s also a great method to ensure your tires are at the right pressure. When your tires are properly inflated, they will ensure that they can grip the road better and reduce the chances of blowouts or other damage.