Driving is an everyday part of our lives that many people take for granted, but it’s also extremely dangerous. Getting into a car accident is one of the most stressful events imaginable, and it can lead to severe injury. So let’s talk about the common injuries from car accidents.
Common Injuries From Car Accidents
The costs of medical care after a crash can be astronomical, and then there are other expenses to think about like getting your car repaired. However, there are some things you can do to avoid being in an accident in the first place.
1. Avoid Distractions
No matter how experienced of a driver you are, it’s important to always be completely focused on your surroundings when driving. According to a head-on collision lawyer in Las Vegas, distracted driving is at the top of the list when it comes to the common causes of car accidents.
Ensuring that your phone is on silent and that you don’t check your messages while you’re behind the wheel can help you avoid accidents. It’s also wise to wait until you’ve reached your destination before searching for directions on your phone. Music that is too loud or otherwise distracting can also pose a problem.
The DUI attorneys in Michigan suggest avoiding distractions at all costs. Also, drinking and driving is not only illegal, but it’s also extremely dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol is involved in nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.
A lot of people also like to go for a drive as a way to clear out their heads after a stressful event. However, it’s never advised to get behind the wheel if you’re preoccupied after an unsettling experience.
2. Follow The Speed Limit
Of course, going over the speed limit can get you a fine because it’s simply against the law. However, speeding is a much greater concern than simply having to pay a ticket. It’s among the most common causes of car accidents, and it’s also a leading cause of severe injury.
In many cases, those who go speeding can lose control of their cars or take other drivers by surprise, making the crash more likely to have detrimental consequences. When you’re speeding, even if you have great control over your car, other drivers could have a harder time reacting to you, which could lead to a disaster.
You might also find yourself in a situation where you need to stomp on the brakes suddenly – and even if you manage to come to a stop in time, the driver behind you might not, leading to a crash.
3. Never Drink And Drive
There’s a reason why drinking and driving is punishable by law. The rate at which alcohol impairs your ability to drive is difficult to estimate, because it has a lot to do with your body weight, what you had to eat that day, how well-rested you are, and more.
Even one drink can affect your coordination and ability to react, but the more you have, the worse it gets. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration that is 0.08 percent or higher could lead to DUI charges if the person in question is underage, which means losing their license for an entire year in most cases.
However, a much more severe penalty exists for those who are caught with a BAC that is 0.15 percent or higher – in some states, it’s a felony charge, which means jail time and fines. Because alcohol can impair your judgment as well as your motor skills, drinking and driving can make you act in dangerous, erratic ways. For example, you might swerve in and out of lanes because you’re not fully conscious of what your car is doing – which could lead to a crash.
4. Adjust Your Driving To The Weather Conditions
A large number of accidents take place because drivers don’t leave enough space between their cars and the ones in front of them. If you want to avoid being in an accident, you’ll need to keep your distance when driving through rain, snow, or other hazardous weather conditions.
You’ll also want to leave more space between your car and the rest of the vehicles on the road if it’s misting, sleeting, or hailing – you don’t want to end up in a collision because another vehicle skids into you due to slick weather conditions.
The same thing goes for drivers who are traveling much faster than you – keep as much distance as possible between your car and theirs, so the person who loses control doesn’t hit you. If another vehicle is keeping a close distance to your back bumper, they could skid into you if they lose control because of slick conditions.
5. Proper Car Maintenance
It can be hard to predict when your car will need some extra maintenance but neglecting it will only cause further problems down the road. Neglecting certain types of routine care can lead to more serious issues that require a lot more money and time to fix. For instance, if you don’t change your oil as frequently as you should, you could end up having to get a whole new engine.
If you don’t top up your windshield wiper fluid, getting caught in a rainstorm might be dangerous for both yourself and other drivers on the road. By maintaining your vehicle regularly, you’ll ensure that you don’t find yourself in an accident due to faulty car parts.
Car accidents can lead to anything from mild annoyances and stress to massive expenses and even lengthy hospital stays.
Meanwhile, if you take the right precautions that are outlined above, you’ll lessen the chance of getting into a car accident that could have been avoided. If one does happen, though, it’s important to remain calm and not panic – and always be sure to seek help in a timely manner.
