What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident A car accident could be a devastating event. It can lead to loss of income, benefits, and significant out-of-pocket expenses. If you're the victim of an auto accident or who is witnessing one, there are several ways you can protect yourself and help others. Avoid Distractions Distracted driving can have a significant impact on both your safety as well as that of others. Texting, eating, and grooming are some of the most frequently-repeated distractions. Distracted drivers can cause serious injuries or even death to the people around them. This is because distracted driving may cause drivers to disregard dangers and unexpected issues right in front of them, or to ignore important road signs. Distractions can refer to anything that diverts a driver's attention away from the road and can cause them to lose control. They can be either visual or cognitive, and each comes with distinctive characteristics. Visual distractions refer to things that distract a driver's focus from the road. Examples include using a GPS or watching a signboard or rubbernecking a car accident. It can be dangerous, especially when the driver is driving at highway speeds and passing pedestrians or other vehicles. Manual distractions can also be very harmful, especially when drivers aren't paying attention to the road and do not react quickly enough. Eating while driving can be very distracting, as can changing the radio station or looking for something behind the vehicle. Cognitive distractions are a lesser-known but just as deadly category of distractions. They could be a result of talking on the phone, singing or thinking about an emotional situation. They can also be indications of drowsiness which can make it hard for a driver stay focused on the road. Set boundaries and practice an attentive driving to be aware of distractions while driving. You can accomplish this by establishing rules and leading by example. It's important to keep in mind that everyone is at risk of being a distracted driver, and it's not just teenagers or drivers who are new. Even san diego auto accident attorney , older individuals and motorists who are drowsy can be distractions when driving. If you have a loved one who is prone to distraction while driving, make sure to speak with them about the importance of keeping their eye on the road and how to avoid this happening. You can also help them to put their cell phone in do not distract mode and turn it off when they are driving. Keep Your Distance Maintaining a safe distance from vehicle in front of you is one of the best ways to ensure your car's safety. This will prevent an accident and protect yourself and others around you from harm or death. There are many ways to make sure you're following the proper distance when driving. One way is to use the 3-second rule, which is an easy calculation that can help you determine if you're following too closely. The 3-second rule is based on the fact that you need around three seconds to react if another vehicle brakes suddenly. If you are too close to the car in front of you, it will be difficult to stop safely. This is particularly true for truck drivers, who require ample space to safely brake when they are approaching the stop. This rule of the road is often ignored by drivers, which can result in serious injuries and deaths. You can also calculate the distance you have to follow a vehicle by counting the amount of time it takes to reach a certain point after the vehicle at the front has passed by it. You can do this by looking for an overhead road sign, a tree, or any other roadside marker, and watching the vehicle in front of you drive by it. Once you've figured out how long it takes your car to reach that spot after the other driver passes it, start counting again. You'll be counting 1-1,000, 21,000, and then 31,000 until you get to a three-second gap between you and the vehicle in front. If you're unable to reach three seconds, you can increase your following distance gradually until you are there. This may mean slowed down to avoid collision, but it's worth the extra effort. The most frequent rear-end collisions occur when drivers follow the vehicle ahead of them too closely. You can avoid collisions by increasing the distance you follow. Avoiding Rear-End Collisions Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of automobile accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that they represent nearly 1/3 of all accidents and result in an estimated 2,000 deaths per year in the United States. Although front-end collisions are far more fatal, rear-end collisions can be still a major cause of injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions are also prone to a myriad of soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash. These injuries can cause significant pain in the back, neck and shoulder regions. These injuries typically require physical therapy, medical expenses and lost wages to heal. Keep your distance from other vehicles to avoid an accident. This means you should be following them at a safe speed and not lag behind them. You increase the risk of rear-end collisions when driving too close. This is because you don't have enough time to react to dangers such as slower or stopped traffic. The National Safety Council recommends a minimum of three seconds for following distances in vehicles that are primarily passenger vehicles, and greater for larger vehicles. If the weather or road conditions are poor rear-end collisions are much more dangerous. If you're driving during heavy snow or rain, for instance, you may need to increase your following distance. Make sure to check your rear-view mirror frequently to avoid a rear-end collision. This will depend on how crowded the traffic is ahead of you. This will help you determine whether the driver in front of you is slowing down or applying the brakes. Use your turn signals to switch lanes or to pull out of a parking lot. This can help the driver in front of you to see your car and help prevent them from swerving off the lane and strike you. Always keep children in the back of the vehicle while traveling with them. This will stop them from running around the vehicle or becoming disoriented and distracted while driving. It is an excellent idea to not use your phone when driving and to not use it to distract you. Texting or talking on the phone texting can cause rear-end collisions. Keep Your Engine Running The engine in your car is among the most crucial components for you as a driver However, it can be frustrating. If you're involved in an auto accident, your vehicle's engine may not start immediately after you turn the key or press START. The problem is not easy to determine or fix So you must bring your vehicle to the mechanic as soon when the light turns on. The lights will alert you when there's a problem with the alternator, battery or temperature, or any other part of your car that need attention. If you are having difficulty starting your vehicle following an accident of a minor nature it could be due to a tripped switch that cuts power to the fuel pump. This switch is intended to prevent your vehicle from burning in the incident of a collision however, it could also cause damage to your engine when it's tripped. It's possible that you are unable to start your car following an accident as your car's engine transmission isn't working properly. In this case, you will require a professional to determine what caused the issue and then fix it. Even if you have a healthy car, it is important to run the engine often to make sure that it's properly lubricated. This can be done by turning the engine on gently and allow it to warm for 30 seconds. This is the time to examine all belts, hoses and air cleaners in your vehicle to make sure they're functioning properly. This will increase your gas mileage as well as ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly. It's also a great method to ensure your tires have the proper pressure. Properly filled tires will allow them to grip the road more effectively and decrease the chance of a blowout, or any other damage.
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