Prepare for a Car Accident

Most of the time car accidents are unexpected. But every once in a while, you feel your life is in danger. You could be in traffic on a bridge, or in a car with a poor driver. Or maybe you're stuck in a really bad rainstorm, and the driver can barely see. Read this article for tips on how to be safe in this kind of a situation.

Steps

  1. Avoid the situation. You don't have to know any of this if you are a good and safe driver. However, if you are a driver who gets your car, yourself, your passengers, or others in a dangerous situation where an accident is possible, don't feel too guilty. Even the best drivers have an accident now and then.
  2. Don't look at the accident -- look at the escape route. Studies have proven that we drive where we are looking. If someone pulls out in front of you, look beyond that car. You will instinctively steer and head towards that point.
  3. Get the information. What's happening? Why are you in danger? Where are you? Ask either the driver or another passenger, or if you already know, make sure you keep the information handy within your brain.
  4. Use car safety equipment. These are your seat belts and air bags. Before you even buy a car, you should know where the air bags are. Older cars usually have air bags in the front seats, while newer models have air bags in every spot of the car. Always put your seat belt on. If you are part of a family that does not practice regular seat belt use, consider these facts:
    • You will not have time to put your seat belts on as a dangerous situation develops
    • The law requires you and your children to wear seat belts
    • If you are in an accident, your monetary recovery will be less because of your own negligence. Whatever your reasons are for not a safety restraint (too uncomfortable, not fashionable, unneeded), using them is always better than suffering injury or death, or to have your passenger injured or dead.
  5. Place objects in a safe place. If you have books in your car, place them on the floor. If you put them on a seat, they could fly up or forward in an accident, hitting and potentially injuring someone. Small objects such as small car games for kids or craft objects (stamps, glue sticks, etc.) should be placed under the front seat. This will prevent them from flying up and hitting someone. Heavy items in the boot (trunk) should be tethered or tied down, particularly if you have folding rear seats. A 70kg load will move forward with a force of nearly 2000N in a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} collision - easily enough to come through a rear seat.

Tips

  • If you are in the car with children, and they are old enough they understand what is going on, and they are frightened, do your best to calm them down. As well as keeping them less afraid, you will find that you have calmed yourself down.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions. Whether of the driver or other passengers, uncertainty can be the most fearful thing of all. A better informed person is a calmer person.
  • The safest place to be sitting in a car is the middle back seat. This works especially well in a rollover.
  • Try "Square Breathing". Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. Repeat until you feel the tension draining away.

Warnings

  • If you are using this and you get into an accident it's ok just calm down and get out of the vehicle as soon as possible

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References

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