What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident A car accident can result in devastating effects. It could result in loss of income, benefits and significant out-of-pocket costs. You can assist yourself and others by being secure if you're the victim of a car accident or a witness to one. Beware of Distractions Distracted driving has a huge impact on both your safety and the safety of other drivers. Texting, eating, and grooming are among the most common distractions. Distracted drivers can cause serious injuries or death to others around them. This is because distracted driving could cause drivers to disregard dangers and unexpected problems right in front of them, or miss important road signs. Distractions are anything that takes a driver's attention away from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They can be visual or cognitive, and each comes with its own unique characteristics. Visual distractions are things that distract drivers' eyes from the road, like using a GPS, looking at the billboard, or even rubbernecking in an accident. This could be dangerous, especially when the driver is driving at highway speeds, and passing other vehicles or pedestrians. Manual distractions can be dangerous, particularly when drivers fail to pay attention to the road or fail to react quickly. Consuming food while driving switching the radio station, or reaching for something in the back of the car can all be very distracting. Cognitive distractions can be just as dangerous as other distractions. They can involve using a mobile phone or singing or pondering an emotionally charged situation. They can also be signs of drowsiness which can make it hard for a driver stay focused on the road. auto accident lawyer dallas to avoid distracting driving habits is to establish good boundaries and practice attentive driving. This can be accomplished by living by example and establishing rules to limit the time spent on screens. It's important that we remember that everyone is at risk for being a distracted driver, and it's not just teens or new drivers. Even pets, older drivers and motorists who are drowsy can be distractions when driving. You can also suggest to them to put their phone on do not disturb mode and switch it off when they are driving. You can also encourage them to put their mobile phone on do not disturb mode and then turn it off when they are behind the wheel. Keep Your Distance One of the most important ways to ensure your car is safe while driving is to maintain an appropriate distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This can prevent an accident, and help protect yourself and others near you from injury and death. There are several methods to ensure that you're keeping the right distance when driving. One approach is to employ the 3-second rule, which is a a simple calculation that can aid in determining if you're following too closely. The 3-second rule is based on the fact that you need approximately three seconds to react in the event that another vehicle suddenly stops. If you are too close to the vehicle in front of you, it could be difficult to stop safely. This is particularly true for truck drivers, who need ample space to safely brake when approaching a stop. Many accidents involving semis and big rigs occur because drivers fail to observe this road rule and could result in grave injuries or even deaths for everyone involved. In addition to using the three-second rule, you may also measure your distance following by locating a fixed object and counting the time it takes you to get to the same spot after the vehicle in front of you crosses it. This can be accomplished by watching the car the direction of an overhead sign, tree or any other roadside markers. Repeat the count. Once you have determined how long it will take you to get to that spot after another car has passed, begin counting. Start counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000, and finally, 3-1,000 until you've reached three seconds between you and the car in front of you. If you're unable get to three seconds, increase your following distance gradually until you are there. It could require slowing down to avoid the risk of crashing but it's definitely worth the extra effort. The most common rear-end collisions happen when drivers follow the vehicle in front of them too closely. By increasing the distance you follow and utilizing the 3-second rule, you can avoid these collisions and other collisions that could cause severe damage to your vehicle and the people around you. Avoiding Rear-End Collisions Rear-end collisions rank as the most frequent auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions account for nearly a third all accidents and result in 2,000 deaths each year in the United States. While front-end collisions are more dangerous, rear-end collisions are still a major cause of injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions are also prone to a variety of soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash. These injuries can cause drivers to experience significant discomfort and pain in their neck, shoulder and back areas. These injuries are often accompanied by physical therapy, medical expenses and lost wages to heal. Keep your distance from other vehicles to avoid an accident. This means following them at an appropriate speed and not slowing down. Being too fast can increase the chance of a rear-end collision because you won't have enough time to see and respond to hazards, like slow or stopped traffic in the front of you. The National Safety Council recommends a minimum of three seconds of following distance for passenger cars, and greater for larger vehicles. When weather or road conditions are not ideal rear-end collisions are more risky. If you're driving in extreme snow or rain, for example, you should increase the distance you follow and take extra care. You should regularly check your rear-view mirror to avoid a rear-end collision. This will depend on how full the traffic is in front of you. This will allow you to determine if a car in front of you has slowed down or applied the brakes. Another good habit to adopt is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or pulling out of parking lots. This can help the driver in front of you to see your car and prevent them from swerving out of lane to hit you. Always ensure that your children are in the back of the car while traveling with them. This will prevent them from bouncing about the vehicle, or becoming confused and distracting while you are driving. It is also a good idea to keep your phone away while you are driving and to not use it to distract yourself. Texting or talking on the phone texting may result in rear-end collisions. Keep Your Engine Running The engine of your car may be one of the most important elements for you as a driver, however it could be also one of the most frustrating parts. If you are involved in an accident, your vehicle's engine might not start after you turn the key or press START. This isn't an issue that's simple to spot and resolve, so it's advisable to take your vehicle for a routine check-up as soon as the check engine light comes on. The lights will be alerted the car if it has a problem in the areas of battery temperature, temperature alternator or any other area. If you're experiencing difficulty getting your car started after a minor crash it could be the result of a malfunctioning inertial switch that shuts off power to the vehicle's fuel pump. This is designed to protect your vehicle from lighting on fire in the event of a collision, but it can also cause damage to your engine if damaged if it is tripped. It's possible that you are unable to start your car after an accident, because your vehicle's engine's transmission has stopped working properly. In this scenario you'll need the assistance of an expert mechanic to determine what caused the issue and fix it before you start your vehicle once more. Even if you own a healthy car it is vital to rev the engine every often to make sure that it is properly lubricated. This can be done by switching the engine on with a gentle touch and waiting for it to warm for 30 minutes. This is the time to examine all belts, hoses and air cleaners in your vehicle to make sure they're functioning properly. This will improve your gas mileage and help keep your vehicle operating smoothly. It's also a great method to make sure your tires have the proper pressure. When your tires are properly inflated, it will ensure that they can be more stable on the road and lessen the risk of a tire blowout or other damage.
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