A car accident is one of the most dangerous things that can happen to someone.The hope is that the guide will help prevent injury or death.Most of the information here won't apply to those who drove vehicles from 1990 or earlier.The methods of avoiding an accident and the position one should be in are universal.
Step 1: Don't wear your seat belt.
One of the most important things you can do to survive a car crash is wearing your seatbelt.Make sure your shoulder belt goes across the center of your chest and that your lap belt sits low on your hip bones.Until the child is large enough to wear a lap and shoulder belt, they should not be seated.
Step 2: A safe car has seat belts and other features.
Unless you are driving a car from the 1980s or under, you won't have to worry about head support.Older cars with lap belts are less safe than large vehicles.SUVs are more prone to accidents.Try to drive a car that is safe.The ratings and lists of safe vehicles are maintained by the Insurance Institute for highway safety.Euro NCAP has ratings in Europe.They have a website ateuroncap.com.
Step 3: Store objects so they won't hit you.
If an object can become a projectile during a crash, you can either remove it from the car or put it in the trunk.
Step 4: The safety systems on your car need to be serviced on a regular basis.
Injury and death in automobile accidents can be reduced by the use of seat-belts.
Step 5: Do not lean over the dashboard.
The car's air bag inflates if there is a high-speed crash.If you are leaning against the dashboard when they inflate you will be thrown backward and injured.It is dangerous to lean against the sides of a car if it has curtain airbags.
Step 6: The engine, brakes, transmissions, suspension, and tires of your car should be in good condition.
If you get in an accident, having your car in top running condition can help you avoid it.
Step 7: Don't depend on features.
There are features that can be used to supplement safe driving.When there is no imminent crash, these features can easily be disabled or malfunctioning.Reliance on safety features can lead to serious injuries.
Step 8: Obey traffic laws and be aware of the current conditions.
If there is heavy traffic or bad weather, adjust your driving.It will be safer to drive at a lower speed if there is a sudden rain and oil on the ground.
Step 9: Don't think about what you are doing.
Don't use cell phones, read maps, or eat while driving.If you are a passenger, sit straight up.Don't lean your seat too far back, put your feet up on the dashboard, and not distract the driver.Don't put objects on top of the enclosure.
Step 10: Understand potential problems.
Look for things that could cause an accident.Cars and pedestrians can move into your car's path.When a vehicle in front of you makes an unexpected move, keeping a safe distance behind other vehicles can help you have enough time to react.Don't allow distracted drivers, tailgaters, and other drivers to engage in risky behaviors.You should keep an eye on parked cars.They may pull out in front of you and people may leave between them.
Step 11: Stay calm, that's all.
You need to respond quickly if there is an accident.Vehicles respond better to steering and braking inputs.
Step 12: The course of action you choose will affect your actions.
You have to decide what combination of steering, braking, and acceleration will best serve to avoid or minimize the harm from an accident.
Step 13: There is a brake.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, the braking practices will vary.If you don't have anti-lock brakes, you need to pump the brakes to keep the car under control.You will lose control of your car if you slam on the brakes.You can't drive a vehicle if the brakes are locked.Then release firmly.Release the brakes if the tires start to skid.Do not pump anti-lock brakes.Your car's computer will pulse them much faster than you can, so you will feel the pedal vibrate a bit when this occurs.Hold the brakes and steer.
Step 14: A smooth steer is what you want.
The steering wheel motions of heavy vehicles and those with light rear ends are likely to lead to skids.
Step 15: If needed, accelerate.
Sometimes the best way to avoid an accident is to speed up and get out of the way.
Step 16: If you start to lose control, take steps to recover.
Follow these steps if your car starts to skid or if a tire blows.Don't hit the brakes.This will make things worse.Keep your grip on the wheel.Go in the direction of the skid.Turn the wheels to the left if the back of your car is sliding.Wait for your tires to give you traction.
Step 17: If a crash is unavoidable attempt to minimize damage.
Avoid head-on accidents into other vehicles or front-end crashes into concrete barriers.Control your car's speed by as much as you can.The more damage it will cause, the faster the impact.Side impacts can be avoided.If another car strikes your car on the side, it is likely to cause a serious injury.
Step 18: Appropriate measures can be taken after an accident.
Do not smoke, and switch off your engine after a crash.If one of the vehicles involved in the crash was carrying dangerous goods, this is important.Cars can only explode or catch fire after a crash if a vehicle carrying dangerous goods is involved, as much as you are not in a film and in reality.
Step 19: Emergency services should be called after a crash.
If needed, apply first aid.Unless there is a threat to their life, don't attempt to remove injured people from a vehicle yourself.Even if the victim doesn't feel injured, you could still cause neck injuries.Remove injured people from the emergency services.