Everyone hopes that they will never be in an automotive accident of any kind. Yet with more cars than ever on the roads, it is highly probable that most people will face a car accident at some point. Whether it is mild or severe, drivers and passengers can do some things to protect themselves from injury. If you are in a car accident, these precautions will help, but it will still be good to seek out medical and legal advice from an experienced Newport Beach car accident attorney for any personal injuries suffered.
One is the old-fashioned and still critical approach of always wearing seat belts. This includes the driver and all the passengers, with special attention being given to children riding in the vehicle who might not remember to put on their seat belts by themselves. Younger children should be in specially-designed child restraints if they’re not old enough to wear a regular lap and shoulder belt.
Of course, it is also critical to confirm that the vehicle includes all safety features and that they are all in good working order. This includes seat belts that aren’t frayed and lock securely. It also includes doors that close securely as well, and may include additional features like air bags.
Objects in the vehicle should be stored in ways that guarantee they won’t fly out and hit you in the event of a car accident. There shouldn’t be loose objects on the dashboard or in an open glove compartment. Large objects should be secured in the trunk or securely behind seats.
One way to ensure that all these elements are as they should be is to get your vehicle serviced regularly. You can also inspect parts of the vehicle and its contents before driving anywhere. Doing that helps to ensure your safety.
Source: VdriveUSA, “How to Survive a Car Crash” Sep. 11, 2014