How to Safety Proof Your Car to Prevent Injuries in Car Accidents

Cars are incredibly useful machines that allow us to travel long distances relatively quickly and have the freedom to go anywhere we want within reason. Your car can also be very dangerous if you do not respect its power to potentially hurt or kill you or others. While cars have come a long way in the safety features they offer, especially those that are now required by law, there are still things you can do to safety proof your car to protect yourself and others.

The Importance of Safety Proofing Your Car

Unfortunately while you are driving on the road, you can only control our own vehicle. Despite accident prevention technology that is standard in most new cars these days, collisions will still happen as others drive distracted, under the influence, or are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. While this could just be a simple fender bender that barely scratches the bumper, each accident has the potential to be serious and harmful.

To Save Lives

Since the middle of the 19th century, technology has drastically improved the built in safety-features in cars. As a result, between the years between 1960 and 2012, it is estimated that over 600,000 lives were saved. Every little thing that you do to further safety proof your car increases the likelihood of survivors in the event of an accident.

To Protect Yourself Legally

If you are at fault in an accident, or if someone is seriously injured in or by your car, you could be at risk of legal recourse. Taking measures to safety proof your car can help prevent penalties, financial or otherwise.

Ways to Help Prevent Injuries in a Car Accident

Some of the best ways to make your car safer are already built into them. Seatbelts and air bags significantly decrease the risk of severe injury if you are in an accident. Other features, such as a back up camera and blind spot assistance, can help prevent an accident all together. There are other way to make your car a safer place to travel every time you go out on the road.

Use Voice Control and Bluetooth

Distracted driving is a serious problem and one that can have drastic consequences with just a few seconds glance away from the road. If you use the voice control features in your car, you can eliminate the most common types of distraction, looking at your phone. Additionally, utilizing the bluetooth feature for taking phone calls and using voice to text can further ensure your eyes remain on the road and alert.

Alcohol Detection System

If you are concerned about you or someone else who drives your car getting behind the wheel while under the influence, you may want to consider a monitor that detects alcohol. If the person attempting to operate your vehicle is over the legal limit, they will know not to get behind the wheel of the car. This could not only save your car, but also potentially a life, and legal trouble for the potential driver.

Drowsiness Detection System

Similar to the alcohol detection system, there is a machine that can scan a person's face to detect symptoms of drowsiness as they drive, If you are someone who pulls late night shifts or regularly drives long distances, this could be a good resource to prevent you from driving when you are in need of rest.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Despite all of your preparations and best efforts, there may still come a time when you are involved in an accident. While it can be overwhelming in the moment to deal with what comes next, you can follow these steps, including seeking legal help if necessary.

1. Stay Put and Report the Accident

It is important to remain where you and to file a report. In many cases, insurance will need the accident report from the police in order to process a claim. If someone is seriously injured you will want to call 911 to obtain medical attention.

2. Get Information and File a Claim

Additionally, you will likely want to communicate with the other party to obtain their insurance information. Then, contact your insurance company immediately to begin a claim on any vehicle damage and injuries that took place.

3. Consult an Attorney

If you continue to struggle with injuries following an accident, you may want to consult an attorney. They can help you navigate the insurance and legal systems in order to best negotiate support and compensation for you as you navigate life post accident. This is an especially important step if you are dealing with long term ramifications from the accident and it is affecting your livelihood.