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It is estimated that everyone has a chance of getting involved in at least one car accident in their lifetime. From statistics, we know that people get involved in a car accident once about every 18 years. As such, if you haven’t been in a wreck in a while, your chances of getting involved in one are higher. As a result, you must be aware of the various methods of ensuring your survival in the event of a car crash. Isn’t this just terrifying?
The simplest way of avoiding a car accident is simply not owning a motor vehicle. But we all know that this is easier said than done. The only person we are in control of on the road is ourselves, according to an old saying passed down across the generations. It’s a real gamble for others!
Another simpler way is to ensure that your car is properly maintained. Take heed of orange lights on the dashboard that warn you to faults on the vehicle. OBD scanners will reveal extra level of detail on any warnings. Look for the best obd2 scanner UK to perform these checks yourself, or go to a local car dealer of mechanic.
What You Can Do to Survive a Car Accident
Car accidents of any type are categorized as one of the most traumatic events a person can experience. This article has compiled some pointers that will help to prevent injury or death in the event of an accident.
Nonetheless, each vehicle is unique, and we can’t generalize what goes into a car accident settlement afterward. It is important to note that some of the information presented here will not apply to drivers of vehicles manufactured prior to 1990, particularly on matters relating to airbags. But, in the end, the techniques for preventing a crash and the position in which one should be just before a collision are universal.
1. Utilize Your Car’s Anti-Lock Brake System
The anti-lock brake system is now standard on many vehicles. This system is capable of engaging the brakes faster than you could on your own. To use this system, what you have to do is keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal until it vibrates. The vibration is just haptic feedback to let you know whether it’s working or not. It’s worth noting that this system will work best when your tires are facing forward.
2. Slow Down
Speed is dangerous and is the main cause of many road-related accidents. The faster the vehicle is going, the greater the impact will be. If you are able to foresee an accident coming, do your best to decelerate.
3. Speed Up
Adding more speed to the equation should be the last thing you want to do. In some rare cases, however, it might save your life. If speeding up is what will keep you out of harm’s way, it is unquestionably the best option.
4. Take Control of Your Car
In a scenario where your car starts to skid. You should always steer in the direction of the drifting wheels. Avoid braking or accelerating until the moment when your tires regain traction. Always try to maintain a calm demeanor and a tight grip on the steering wheel at all times.
5. Avoid Sudden Movements
In the event of an accident, try to react quickly but smoothly. If you don’t have to, don’t jerk the steering wheel or immediately hit the brakes, since these small impulses can cause you to lose control of your car.
6. Steer Toward the Object That Will Cause the Least Damage
If you have the option, aim for the bushes rather than oncoming traffic. Also, keep in mind that trees and stationary objects pose a greater danger. Moreover, avoiding at all costs a head-on collision with another vehicle or stationary objects such as concrete pillars or barriers.
7. Maintain Normal Posture
Slight movements outside your normal driving position could lead to more serious injuries. When you put your head down, it could collide with car components, injuring you as the airbag engages. Keep your head up and your hands on the steering at all times.
How to Survive a Car Accident
Assume you notice an impending collision. In this situation, it’s critical to keep relaxed and do all that you can to keep your car under control and reduce the impact as much as possible. You might be able to steer your car around a tree or lamp post to prevent a head-on collision.
If you want to minimize the impact, try as much as possible to reduce your speed. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, try not to slam the brakes but instead pump them. If the brakes lock, steering will be more difficult.
